Qiān Modesty Humility [hexagram 15]

Yin line Yin line Yin line Yang - controlling line Yin line Yin line

Hidden wealth

Earth over Mountain
Earth Earth element

Heaven Lake
[10] Slow advance; Fulfillment
Opposite
Thunder Earth
[16] Inspiration; Delight
Inverse
Thunder Water
Xiè [40] Disentangle; Relief
Mutual

Lunar month: 12 ; Host or Controlling line : 3
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谦: , . Qiān: hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.

Qian indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

: 谦, , , . 亏盈益谦, 变盈流谦, 害盈谦, 谦. 谦尊, 卑逾, . Tuàn zhuàn: Qiān, hēng, tiān dào xià jì ér guāng míng, dì dao bēi ér shàng xíng. tiān dào kuī yíng ér yìqiān, dì dao biàn yíng ér liúqiān, guǐ shén hài yíng ér fúqiān, rén dào è yíng ér hǎoqiān. Qiān zūn ér guāng, bēi ér bù kě yú, jūn zǐ zhī zhōng yě.

Qian indicates progress and success. It is the way of heaven to send down its beneficial influences below, where they are brilliantly displayed. It is the way of earth, lying low, to send its influences upwards and (there) to act. It is the way of heaven to diminish the full and augment the humble. It is the way of earth to overthrow the full and replenish the humble. Spiritual Beings inflict calamity on the full and bless the humble. It is the way of men to hate the full and love the humble. Humility in a position of honor makes that still more brilliant; and in a low position men will not (seek to) pass beyond it. Thus it is that 'the superior man will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).'

: , 谦; 益寡, 称. Xiàng zhuàn: Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān; jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī.

(The trigram for) the earth and (that of) a mountain in the midst of it form Qian. The superior man, in accordance with this, diminishes what is excessive (in himself), and increases where there is any defect, bringing about an equality, according to the nature of the case, in his treatment (of himself and others).

young yin young yin young yin young yang young yin changing yin
I Ching transform
Earth
Fire
Míng yí [36] Overshadow; Darkening
Change
: 谦谦, , . Chū liù: qiān qiān jūn zǐ, yòng shè dà chuān, jí.

The first ‘six’, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.

: 谦谦, 卑. Xiàng zhuàn: Qiānqiān jūn zǐ, bēi yǐ zì mù yě.

'The superior man who adds humility to humility' is one who nourishes his (virtue) in lowliness.

young yin young yin young yin young yang changing yin young yin
I Ching transform
Earth
Wind/Wood
Shēng [46] Ascent; Growing up
Change
: 谦, . Liù èr: míng qiān, zhēn jí.

The second ‘six’, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognized. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

: , . Xiàng zhuàn: Míng qiān zhēn jí, zhōng xīn dé yě.

'The good fortune consequent on being firm and correct, where the humility has made itself recognized, is owing to the possessor's having (the virtue) in the core of his heart.

young yin young yin young yin changing yang young yin young yin
I Ching transform
Earth
Earth
Kūn [2] Receptor; Responding
Change
: 谦, , . Jiǔ sān: láo qiān, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng, jí.

The third ‘nine’, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.

: , . Xiàng zhuàn: Láo qiān jūn zǐ, wàn mín fú yě.

'The superior man of (acknowledged) merit, and yet humble:' - the myriads of the people will submit to him.

young yin young yin changing yin young yang young yin young yin
I Ching transform
Thunder
Mountain
Xiǎo guò [62] Overstep; Small preponderance
Change
: , 㧑谦. Liù sì: wú bù lì, huī qiān.

The fourth ‘six’, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.

: , 㧑谦; . Xiàng zhuàn: Wú bù lì, huī qiān; bù wéi zé yě.

'One, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirs up his humility the more:'(but in doing so) he does not act contrary to the (proper) rule.

young yin changing yin young yin young yang young yin young yin
I Ching transform
Water
Mountain
Jiǎn [39] Obstruction; Hardship
Change
: , , 侵伐, . Liù wǔ: bù fù, yǐ qí lín, lì yòng qīn fá, wú bù lì.

The fifth ‘six’, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbors. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.

: 侵伐, . Xiàng zhuàn: Lì yòng qīn fá, zhēng bù fú yě.

'He may advantageously use the force of arms:' - correcting, that is, those who do not submit.

changing yin young yin young yin young yang young yin young yin
I Ching transform
Mountain
Mountain
Gèn [52] Immobility; Stillness
Change
: 谦, 师, . Shàng liù: míng qiān, lì yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó.

The sixth ‘six’, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognized. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.

: 谦, . 师, . Xiàng zhuàn: Míng qiān, zhì wèi dé yě. kě yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó yě.

'His humility has made itself recognized:' - (but) all his aims have not yet been attained. He may employ the force of arms, (but only) in correcting (his own) towns and state.'

This translation of the YiJing classic text uses the original Chinese including the Xiàng zhuàn commentary converted to modern simplified characters and pinyin. The English translation is based on William Legge (1899) which is now out of copyright. We have changed some wording and converted to American spelling. We hope to replace this with a more modern translation.

See also