#9 – Hsiao Ch'u: Wind (Sun) over Heaven (Ch’ien)
#10 – Lü: Heaven (Ch’ien) over Lake (Tui)
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| #9 - Wind Gathers Clouds But No Rain Falls |
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| #10 - Proper Conduct is Required When Treading on a Tiger's Tail |
Themes:
A time of being Restrained and a time for proper Conduct
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Aspect
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#9
Restrained
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#10
Conduct
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Situation
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Symbolically
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The wind
gently drives storm clouds together.
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The
powerful yet gentle Heaven will always be elevated above the meek and joyous Lake
according to their inherent natures.
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Socially
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A weak
force in a powerful position restrains the strong.
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Societal
differences in rank that correspond with inherent endowments are proper and
natural.
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Individually
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The path
may appear clear but one is restrained.
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One in a
weak position is engaged with powerful and challenging authorities.
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Response
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Symbolically
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Wind
alone is unsubstantial, it does not produce lasting effects but it penetrates
everything.
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The weak element
follows closely behind and dangerously treads upon the strong element.
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Socially
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Take no
drastic actions - store up energy and make small refinements to the outward expression.
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Social
readjustment is occurring – some are rising, some are falling in accordance
with the cycling balance of power.
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Individually
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By
improving one’s character and being adaptable, one exerts friendly persuasion
over others.
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Conduct
yourself with thoughtful courtesy – maintain your composure and dignity and
stick to time-tested patterns.
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Outcome
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Symbolically
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Winds
support the formation of clouds but no rain falls.
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The weak
but joyful exhibits proper decorum and is not hurt by the powerful.
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Socially
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By
attending to the details while waiting for restraints to ease, the strong are
better positioned when times change.
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Order and
progress in society result when external differences in power and influence
align with the inner worth of individuals which promotes social decorum and
peace.
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Individually
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One stays
close to the situation and has gentle influence while waiting to make a
lasting impact.
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Good
fortune comes through dignified fulfillment of one’s duty. One should tread lightly but with composure
and good humor.
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The Lines
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Top Line
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A victory
has been achieved but stop before going too far – adversity is on the rise
and misfortune would follow.
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When the
work is done, observe how good work leads to good fortune and vice versa to
gauge the consequences of one's actions.
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5th
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The
sharing of loyalty and trust in friendship leads to true wealth.
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Only through
awareness of the dangers and resolute commitment can this difficult endeavor
be achieved.
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4th
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Honest
and sincere advice can restrain the powerful and avert terrible outcomes.
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One
successfully accomplishes a dangerous objective by exercising great caution.
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3rd
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While the
path ahead may seem unimpeded, one is still restrained. Progress is futile and undignified.
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Only in
dire circumstances should one undertake an effort beyond one’s abilities for
disaster surely awaits.
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2nd
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The time
is not right to advance. Observe those
who have gone before and avoid rebuff.
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One
remains free from entanglements and travels smoothly by seeking nothing,
asking nothing, and remaining true to oneself.
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Bottom Line
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When
obstacles are encountered it is wise to hold a position that allows for
advance or retreat.
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Starting
in an inferior position, the wise one focuses behavior on doing a job well
and not on the means to escape lowliness.
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Recap
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#9. Hsiao
Ch’u (now Xiao Xü) consists of Xiao (meaning small)
and Xü (meaning to store, save, gather). The weak yin line is in a powerful position
among strong yang lines indicating the ability of the weak to temporarily
restrain the strong. This is not a
favorable situation, but through friendly and gentle persuasion sufficient influence
may be exerted to restrain and subdue the stronger forces.
One might see in this hexagram the
frustration of a majority who find themselves governed by someone they did
not choose. When one has no control
over the situation, choices are to wait it out while passively complying or
to step away from the situation entirely.
If one chooses to remain, this is not the time for grand schemes but
it is a good time to enhance one’s image and remain close to the situation so
as to exert gentle influence as able.
#10. Lü means shoes. With
shoes, we tread upon the earth and carry out our duties with firm steps and
fulfill our duties. Lü had the same pronunciation as lĭ (etiquette) at
one time and had similar meanings thus the underlying message is one of
proper conduct whilst fulfilling one’s duty.
The image of a cautious or meek person (attributes of the Lake)
treading upon the tail of a powerful yet gentle and joyous tiger that does
not bite (attributes of Heaven) symbolizes the proximity of the weak and strong
and the good humor that results from proper etiquette: “pleasant manners succeed even with
irritable people.” [W/B, p 44]
When one
is faced with a rebalancing of priorities imposed by those in authority, a
natural reaction is to be hurt and offended.
If one sees the change as another step in one’s journey and embraces
the new assignment with dignity, decorum, and the accumulated wisdom of prior
adventures, one’s inherent worth will shine and peace will be the reward.
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| #9 Hsiao Ch'u - Restrained |
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| #10 Lü - Conduct |
