渐 Jiàn Gradual development (Progression) [hexagram 53]
Wind/Wood over Mountain
Wood element
Lunar month: 1 ; Host (controlling) line : 2
The Descision
Gradual progression. A young woman is given away in marriage bringing good fortune. Favorable to be steadfast.
‘Gradual development – a young woman is given away in marriage bringing good fortune’ – advancing secures the proper position because of gradual progress. Advancement of the right policies heals the nation. There is a strong presence at the center; with stillness and adaptation, the forward progression is unstoppable.
渐: 女归吉, 利贞. Jiàn: nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.
彖传: 渐之进也, 女归吉也. 进得位, 往有功也. 进以正, 可以正邦也. 其位刚, 得中也. 止而巽, 动不穷也. Tuàn zhuàn: Jiàn zhī jìn yě, nǚ guī jí yě. jìn dé wèi, wǎng yǒu gōng yě. jìn yǐ zhèng, kě yǐ zhèng bāng yě. qí wèi gāng, dé zhòng yě. zhǐ ér xùn, dòng bù qióng yě.
The Image
On the mountain there are trees. The wise holds on to their virtue and by example improve the conduct of the people.
象传: 山上有木, 渐; 君子以居贤德, 善俗. Xiàng zhuàn: Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn; jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé, shàn sú.
Wild geese approach the shore, the young struggle. There will be grumbles but no blame.
‘The young struggle’ – faultless and blameless.
初六: 鸿渐于干, 小子厉, 有言, 无咎. Chū liù: hóng jiàn yú gān, xiǎo zǐ lì, yǒu yán, wú jiù.
象传: 小子之厉, 义无咎也. Xiàng zhuàn: Xiǎo zǐ zhī lì, yì wú jiù yě.
Wild geese gradually approach the cliff, eating and drinking in peace and relaxation. There will be good fortune.
‘Eating and drinking in peace and relaxation’ – a just reward for effort.
六二: 鸿渐于磐, 饮食衎衎, 吉. Liù èr: hóng jiàn yú pán, yǐn shí kàn kàn, jí.
象传: 饮食衎衎, 吉, 不素饱也. Xiàng zhuàn: Yǐn shí kàn kàn, jí, bù sù bǎo yě.
Wild geese gradually advance to the plains. The husband goes on a journey but does not return. The wife carries a child but cannot nourish it – misfortune. Helpful to guard against plunderers.
‘The husband goes on a journey but does not return’ – separated from friends. ‘The wife carries a child but cannot nourish it’ – losing the proper way. ‘Helpful to guard against plunderers’ – helping each other to stay safe.
九三: 鸿渐于陆, 夫征不复, 妇孕不育, 凶; 利御寇. Jiǔ sān: hóng jiàn yú lù, fū zhēng bù fù, fù yùn bù yù, xiōng; lì yù kòu.
象传: 夫征不复, 离群丑也. 妇孕不育, 失其道也. 利用御寇, 顺相保也. Xiàng zhuàn: Fū zhēng bù fù, lí qún chǒu yě. fù yùn bù yù, shī qí dào yě. lì yòng yù kòu, shùn xiāng bǎo yě.
Wild geese approach a wood; they may perch on the branches. Nothing is wrong.
‘They may perch on the branches’ – acceptance of the flexible position.
六四: 鸿渐于木, 或得其桷, 无咎. Liù sì: hóng jiàn yú mù, huò dé qí jué, wú jiù.
象传: 或得其桷, 顺以巽也. Xiàng zhuàn: Huò dé qí jué, shùn yǐ xùn yě.
Wild geese gradually approach the high ground. For three years the woman cannot conceive. Eventually nothing can hinder her. Good fortune.
‘Eventually nothing can hinder her. Good fortune’ – acquiring what is desired.
九五: 鸿渐于陵, 妇三岁不孕, 终莫之胜, 吉. Jiǔ wǔ: hóng jiàn yú líng, fù sān suì bù yùn, zhōng mò zhī shèng, jí.
象传: 终莫之胜, 吉; 得所也. Xiàng zhuàn: Zhōng mò zhī shèng, jí; dé suǒ yě.
Wild geese gradually approach the summit. Their feathers are like jewels. Good fortune.
‘Their feathers are like jewels. Good fortune’ – progress cannot be obstructed.
上九: 鸿渐于陆, 其羽可用为仪, 吉. Shàng jiǔ: hóng jiàn yú lù, qí yǔ kě yòng wéi yí, jí.
象传: 其羽可用为仪, 吉; 不可乱也. Xiàng zhuàn: Qí yǔ kě yòng wéi yí, jí; bù kě luàn yě.
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