42 - I / Increase

I Ching explorations – Part 42 of 64

Sun (The Gentle, Wind/Wood) over Chên (The Arousing, Thunder)

Situation

Symbolism

The ancients observed that when winds increased, thunder often developed.  And, when thunder could be heard far off, winds were likely to increase.  In the I Ching, wind and thunder are understood to “generate and reinforce each other” (Wilhelm/Baynes, p. 598).

The outer (upper) trigram, Wood, represents penetration – as in a root or sprout penetrating the soil (as discussed in #57).  The inner (lower) trigram, Thunder, represents movement.  W/B (p. 596) recounts the story of Pao His and the clan of the “Divine Husbandman” who made a wooden plow and commenced to penetrate the earth for the purpose of bringing forth crops.  Thus, does W/B include the observation that:  “Movement combined with penetration has brought the greatest increase to the world” (p. 597). 

As illustrated by Alfred Huang (p. 340), the ideograph for I (Yi) is the symbol for water (the trigram K’an) over the image of a container.  In this case, water filling a container represents the idea of increasing.

(From A. Huang, 2010, p. 340)

Socially

This is an auspicious time for leaders, employers, supervisors, and others in positions of influence and power to be generous to their subordinates and followers. 

Individually

From the perspective of the individual, this is a fortuitous time to work on one’s self improvement.  An individual achieves lasting benefit by being receptive to the good. 

Response

Symbolically

This hexagram illustrates the action of the light energy diminishing itself with the intent of increasing the dark energy.  This idea comes from the transformation of the upper and lower trigrams.  The upper trigram, Sun, comes from Ch’ien.  Ch’ien (Heaven) has been decreased by the transformation of the lower yang line to yin to form Sun (Wind/Wood).

Ch'ien

is decreased to:

Sun

In turn, the decrease of the upper element is accompanied by an increase of the lowest line in the bottom trigram as it is transformed from K’un (Earth) to Chên (Thunder).

K'un

is increased to:

Chen

Observe too that the first line of the upper trigram (Heaven) has moved to a position that is subordinate to Earth (K’un) in the lower trigram thus forming Thunder (Chên).  According to the I Ching, “increase of what is below at the cost of what is above is out-and-out increase, because it benefits the whole people.” (W/B, p. 597).In addition to increasing each other, these forces (Wind/Wood and Thunder) independently contribute to “increase” in the moral realm. 

In the moral realm of the I Ching, furthering of the light or positive principle signifies increase which is good.  Chên (Thunder) corresponds with the light principle and what is “light” is associated with what is “good.”  Sun (Wind/Wood) is connected with earthy principles which connote “evil” but through its nature, Wind helps to disperse and dissipate such energies which is also good.  Both energies contribute to attaining or enhancing the good and therefore both contribute to “increase.”

Socially

One may be called upon to make a sacrifice of one’s personal resources for the benefit of one’s supporters.  Thus the saying, “To rule, truly is to serve” a statement that W/B contends is “the fundamental idea on which the Book of Changes is based” (W/B, p. 162).

Individually

When we see good in another, we are encouraged to imitate it.  When one finds bad within, release it.  According to the I Ching, this ethical change represents the most important increase of personality.

Outcome

Symbolically

A classic interpretation is that the movement of wind and wood signify a ship which indicates that in this situation, it is advisable to venture “to cross the great water.”

One might also observe that the W/B quote: “Movement combined with penetration has brought the greatest increase to the world” (p. 597) could correspond to the act of procreation.  It would be hard to argue that any other single act has brought more of an increase to the world.

As W/B (p. 162) explains:

            “This time resembles that of the marriage of heaven and earth, when the earth partakes of the creative power of heave, forming and bringing forth living beings.”

Socially

When a leader makes a personal sacrifice for the benefit of the whole, people thus become devoted to their leaders which in turn makes communal undertakings possible.  Generous actions on the part of a leader enhance interpersonal relationships and the overall well-being of human organizations. 

Individually

When one strives to increase for such noble reasons, one is in harmony with the “the highest laws of the universe, it cannot be prevented by any constellation of accidents” (W/B, p. 163).  By emulating the useful traits in others, one can break bad habits and develop beneficial disciplines.  Through such efforts, one can regain a sense of direction and well-being.

Lines

1.  Selflessly achieve something great with assistance currently available from above.

2.  It’s inevitable that receptiveness to and love of the good brings about increase.

3.  If unfortunate events turn to your advantage, there is no harm if you are sincere.

4.  An intermediary should not reduce what is transferred from above to those below.

5.  A truly kind heart seeks no gratitude and finds reward in increasing those below.

6.  One aloofly helps no one and not being in harmony with the times remains alone.   

Recap

Just as the act of increasing water in a cup cannot continue for long, be forewarned that the conditions expressing themselves at this time will not endure.  One must begin now and maintain consistent positive action toward others and oneself while the conditions last.  The sacrifice of a higher element that produces an increase of the lower represents the spirit that has power to help the world.  “The superior person follows the good when he sees it, and corrects his fault when he finds it” (Confucius).

43 – Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness) aka Eliminating (as in Evil)

I Ching explorations - Part 43 of 64

Tui (Lake – The Joyous) over Ch’ien (Heaven – The Creative)

Flooded Pittsburgh:  9/18/2004

Unflooded Pittsburgh

Situation

Symbolically

A swollen river or, in the case of Pittsburgh on 9/18/2004, three rivers (the Allegheny [seen entering the photo from the top], the Monongahela [entering from the right] and the Ohio [formed at the confluence and exiting stage left]) overflow their banks.  Similarly, water from the Lake has risen above the Heavens and bursts forth with precipitation.  Both situations represent a release of accumulated energy or tension.

Socially

This hexagram corresponds to a time when the righteous eliminate the evil through resolute action.  The virtuous have been held in check up till now by the unethical and have banded together to resolutely push upwards and force them from their position of power. 

Individually

The I Ching counsels that, “Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has the power to obscure reason” (p. 166, Wilhelm/Baynes).  “Passion” is represented by the dark yin line at the top (that same passionate, earthy, feminine force that is entering the situation from below in #44).  The passionate and earthy yin has the power to distract the rational and intellectual yang lines below.   

Response

Symbolically

The river bursts over its banks and the cloudburst releases a downpour.  Making a resolution is like dispensing with hesitation by taking a confident step beyond the existing barriers or letting the bow-string fly from one’s fingers.

Socially

The proper response at this time is to force out the weak/dark energy but only with the proper attitude and spirit.  There’s no doubt about what must happen, so it should be accomplished with calm and cheerful resoluteness.

This attitude of joyous (friendliness) on the outside (from Tui) and strength within (from Ch’ien) is the fundamental advice on how to deal with this situation (p. 167 W/B).  Although a compromise with evil is not possible, we are advised not to struggle directly by force because that simply entangles us in hatred and strengthens the opposition.  Instead, the I Ching tells us to address our own weaknesses and strive to fight evil by doing good.

This advice seems to have some similarity to the practice of shunning where an individual or group is consciously removed from association with their peers.  Rather than physically combat or retaliate, the response is one of avoidance and isolation.  Perhaps there’s an element of “turning the other cheek” as well.  As we strive to be better people ourselves, we focus not upon the evil deeds of others, but upon doing good in our own lives and trusting that the evil among us will not find purchase upon which to perpetrate further misdeeds if we simply refuse to associate with them.

Individually

In this situation, one must push the passions, worries, misgivings, and uncertainties aside and allow reason to guide your decisive action.  Expose the evil nature publicly to gain support from others.  Be courageous, resourceful, and determined.

Personally, avoid excessive selfish accumulation because eventually the pile will collapse:  gathering (#58) is followed by dispersion (#59).  Instead, begin to distribute while accumulating.  Similarly, to develop character the superior person does not build up rigid ways of acting and thinking but remains open to self-examination and the ideas of others.

Outcome

Symbolically

The levee breaks and the cloud bursts.  The tension has been released and will now swing back toward equilibration and normality.

Socially

The negative entity that has limited the ability of the virtuous to push upwards is forced out through gentle and non-violent means.  The virtuous are not entangled in the negative energy that has kept them confined but rather causes the negative energy to dissipate by being exposed to the harsh light of public awareness.  By alerting others to the situation, it is possible to harness the power of peer pressure to isolate and negate the harmful tendencies.

Individually

Through self-analysis we recognize weaknesses in our personality and gain control over their influences on our thinking and behavior.  It is easy to allow emotions to control our behavior.  It is harder to see clearly to the heart of the matter and make rational decisions, especially when one is challenged by negative influences.

Lines

1.  Your spirit is willing but your body is weak.  The time is not right time.  Chill.

2.  Remain vigilant and raise an alarm if needed.

3.  Avoid participating with evil but go along so to as hide your intent to thwart it.   

4.  Don’t be obstinate – listen to reason and seek the support of others.

5.  Like weeds, negative forces in powerful positions must be dealt with firmly.

6.  This evil must be rooted out.  Do it thoroughly so as to leave no seeds.

Recap

Negative energy must be banished.  Remain joyous outside and strong within.  Be resolute in the knowledge of what must be purged and go about the task with clear purpose of mind.  Don’t be swayed by emotions.  Indeed, be cheerful in your disposition because you know your purpose is just and right.  Whether you seek to purge a weakness in your character or a negative influence in a place of power, you must shine the harsh light of day upon the subject and openly acknowledge its evil.  Do not become entangled in its choice of weapons, however, for that simply gives it strength.  Remain serene but dispassionate.  Resolutely eradicate the negative influence.

44 – Kou / Coming to Meet (Encountering/Coupling)

I Ching explorations – Part 44 of 64

Heaven over Wind/Wood – The Creative over The Gentle

Situation

Wind blowing under heaven represents the penetrating and far-reaching implications of an encounter between heaven and earth.  Earthly elements rise up in the form of the gentle wind and delicate wood to join with the powerful upward flowing energy of Ch’ien – Heaven.

The lines of the hexagram illustrate this occasion.  The bottom yielding line represents the dark feminine force of Nature that is re-emerging.  Here, the dark meets the light; the feminine meets the masculine; the weak and inferior meets the strong and superior; the yielding meets the firm.  And, despite there being five firm/masculine lines above the single yielding/feminine line, the I Ching cautions that this is a delicate and dangerous situation!  Kou means to meet, join, couple, and copulate.  It is an intense chance encounter that is driven by earthly energy - a coming together of primal extremes through animal magnetism.

            “Here the meeting of earthly and heavenly forces is of great significance, because at the moment when the earthly force enters and the heavenly force is at its height…all things unfold to the high point of their material manifestation, and the dark force cannot injure the light force.” (Wilhelm/Bayne, p. 610) 

Response

In general terms, the I Ching advises that in a chance or unexpected meeting between inferior and superior entities, the inferior can gain an advantage if underestimated by the superior.  Because the inferior can increase only if they are entrusted by their superiors with power, the appropriate response is for the superior to curtail the inferior’s development.

W/B (p. 171) observes that:

“Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance.  When heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper...the world is put in order.”

Alfred Huang (page 356) advises that:

            “When people encounter each other [for the first time], either they are attracted [and anticipate a harmonious relationship]…or they reject each other [and prepare for conflict].  AH goes on to say that one should not assume that conflict is unavoidable, but to avoid conflict one should adopt a conciliatory attitude, as expressed by the behavior of the single yielding line approaching five firm lines.

Outcome

This is a momentous time.  When the paths of these fundamental primal energies coincide and both parties meet halfway without ulterior motives, elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent come together and all benefit.  If the respective parties meet with dishonest ulterior motives, an imbalance in the relationship of yin and yang energies is likely to occur.

Lines

The first yielding line represents the re-emergence of yin energy such as occurs at the Summer Solstice when the dark resumes its ascendance.

1.  Don’t underestimate the apparently weak – halt it immediately.  

After the first yin line, the individual lines depict encounters between the inferior yin and one of five superior yang elements.  In the first situation, the yin energy is held in check.

2.  The negative force is gently contained by good humor and friendliness.

In the next firm line, one is advised to avoid the temptations offered by the yin energy:

3. Don’t be tempted to fall in with evil – avoid serious mistakes with clear vision.

In the next, the superior is advised to tolerate the inferior so as to gain control:

4. Tolerate and humor the negative by meeting halfway to secure help when needed.

The fifth line corresponds to a virtuous leader who understands the laws of Nature:

5.  Lead by virtuous example and the negative will fall to your influence like ripe fruit.

Finally, when isolated at the top a proud superior will not meet the inferior – no blame/no regret:

6.  A distant and aloof leader bears the dislike of the masses with composure.

Recap

This hexagram corresponds to a meeting of two fundamental energies – the earthly yin which has unexpectedly returned, and the heavenly yang in a position of superiority.  The dynamics of the encounter vary and the outcomes are uncertain.

The encounter is propitious if each party plays its role in accordance with virtue and honesty in accordance with natural laws.  Then, the yang elements have the proper influence:

“Heaven is far from the things of earth, but it sets them in motion by means of the wind.  The ruler is far from his people, but he sets them in motion through his commands and decrees.” (W/B, p. 171)

If the yang elements succumb to the yin’s advances, temptations, seductions, and enticements; unanticipated and unfavorable situations result.

(I struggled to find an appropriate image for this hexagram, and ultimately settled on an image of a man being exposed to the consequences of Pandora opening her box.)