#15 Ch’ien / Moderation & #16 Yü / Enthusiasm

#15 Ch’ien / Moderation – Earth (K’un) over Mountain (Kên)

#16 Yü / Enthusiasm – Thunder (Chên) over Earth (K’un)

#15 - Earth above Mountain

#16 - Thunder over Earth

Theme: A time for balancing and a time for enthusiasm

Aspect	#15 Moderation (Equilibrium)	#16 Enthusiasm (Delight)
Situation
Symbolically	The lofty Mountain humbly lies beneath Earth.	Thunder crashes over the Earth.
Socially	Social extremes are the source of discontent.	It is time for action – the planets have aligned!  Strike up a chord.
Individually	One has the power to shape one’s fate through moderation and balance.	One’s energies are in harmony with the times.
Response
Symbolically	Peaks are eroded and valleys are filled – extremes of Nature gradually equilibrate.	Crashing thunder causes excitement and stimulates action.  The sounds of Nature inspire a joyful dance.
Socially	Reduce what is too much and increase what is too little.  Balance the scales.	Follow the path of least resistance – align one’s energies with the movement around if the intent is to lead, govern, or influence others.  Enlist the aid of others who are moved by the same tune.
Individually	Through examination of one’s expectations and desires there is the opportunity to temper attitude and behavior.	Meditate to understand the forces and bodily rhythms that have produced this state of harmony.
Outcome
Symbolically	The level plain results – forces are balanced and equal.	Reawakened life and released tension ignite latent energies.
Socially	Equalizing of extremes achieves just and equitable conditions and thereby creates order out of fairness.	By comprehending the source of current harmony and anticipating the needs of society, success is achieved.
Individually	One becomes centered through the balancing of energies and into harmony with tao.	Understanding of one’s true nature enables character development and well-being.
The Lines
Top Line	“Only through having the courage to marshal one’s armies against oneself, will something forceful really be achieved.” [Wilhelm, p. 67]  This is the time to shape one’s destiny.	Be not deluded by past glories – put ego aside and move on to new opportunities.
5th	Corrective actions must be taken objectively and in fairness to all.	Being under constant pressure prevents one from achieving harmony but enables one to conserve energy and carry on.
4th	Step beyond modest behavior and cultivate balance in mind and duty to society.	One awakens enthusiasm in others through confidence and sincerity – great success.
3rd	Remaining modest despite recognition achieves further support for one’s continued efforts.	Do not wait any longer for a cue from one above – seize the moment or find remorse.
2nd	Inner modesty finds expression in one’s behavior which brings good fortune.	One sees through to the heart of the situation and remains firm as a rock.
Bottom Line	Difficult undertakings are easily and quickly achieved when no claims or boasts are made.	Self-serving boastful or arrogant enthusiasm is unconstructive and invites disaster.
Recap
#15 - Moderation.   When one achieves balance in mind and body through moderation, delightful enthusiasm follows from being centered and in harmony with the world around us.  The fair and equitable balancing of societal extremes achieves just and equitable conditions and thereby creates the conditions needed to achieve productive societal order out of fairness. #16 - Enthusiasm.  Actions that are in harmony with the energies of the times and follow the path of least resistance allow others to resonate with the common vibration and share in the collective enthusiasm essential to great achievements.

#15:  Ch'ien - Moderation

#16:  Yü / Enthusiasm