I Ching · No.11 · T'ai / Peace

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

Translation

T'ai Hexagram. From the small to the great, from the minute to the prosperous; auspicious and successful. The Image says: Heaven and Earth interact; this is the image of T'ai. The superior man, observing this image, regulates the laws of Heaven and Earth, assists in the transforming work of Heaven and Earth, and thereby governs the myriad people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The small departs and the great arrives; smooth, peaceful, and auspicious. When peace reaches its peak, it turns into obstruction; it is advisable to maintain and guard one's position. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, extreme adversity yields to peace, great fortune is at hand, and all things go smoothly, but one must guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Everything goes smoothly; be prepared for danger in times of peace.
• Wealth 财运: Suitable for both buying and selling, with buying being preferable.
• Household 家宅: Prosperous but must guard against decline; highly auspicious for marriage.
• Health 身体: Exercise is appropriate.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• National Fortune 国家气运: It is a time when the ruler is wise and the ministers are virtuous, the common people are peaceful and secure, and it is a period of full prosperity. However, the peak of prosperity is the beginning of decline. Obstruction and peace depend on Heaven, but reversal and recovery depend on humanity; this requires deep consideration, and the same applies to family affairs.
• Plans 谋事: The matter will surely succeed, but subsequent failure must be guarded against.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Yin and Yang unite in one body; an image of great fortune.
• Business 营商: Both buying and selling are auspicious, yet selling yields small profit while buying yields great profit, as seen in the image of 'the small departs and the great arrives'.
• Harvest 年成: Rainfall is well-regulated and harmonious; an image of a bumper harvest.
• Pregnancy 六甲: An image of male and female twins.
• Lost Items 失物: Look nearby to the left and right; it will be found naturally.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below and K'un above). Ch'ien is Heaven and Yang; K'un is Earth and Yin. Yin and Yang interact, the upper and lower communicate, Heaven and Earth commune, and all things flourish. The reverse is ominous. All things in the universe undergo opposition and transformation; the peak of prosperity leads to decline, and decline turns back into prosperity. Therefore, those who adapt to the times achieve peace.

• Overall Image 大象: The Qi of Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang, interact and commune; the upper and lower are in harmony, and the flow is unobstructed.
• Fortune 运势: All matters are auspicious and smooth. In all things, one should seek within rather than without, and guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy.
• Career 事业: Adhere to the principle of progressing from small to large, step by step. The career has reached a smooth stage, so one must act with even greater caution, be prepared for danger in times of peace, and actively seek and open up new undertakings to continue advancing. If one remains conservative, complacent, and refuses to make progress, failure is inevitable.
• Business 经商: Smooth. It is essential to pay attention to market trends, open up new fields, and launch new competitions. To this end, cooperate closely with others and strive for assistance from all sides, but one must remain humble and cautious, and guard against hypocritical and sweet-talking flatterers.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Possessing the conditions for success, but one must work harder and pursue diligently; the greatest risk is being clever to one's own detriment.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: A happy marriage. However, courtship must be taken seriously.
• Decision 决策: Auspicious and smooth. Strong adaptability allows success in various undertakings. Wise in planning and decisive in action, skilled in interpersonal relations, capable of uniting others to achieve common goals, flexible, highly adaptable to changes in situations, and constantly marching into new fields. However, on the journey of life, one must remain conscientious and careful, especially avoiding carelessness, and be even more cautious in choosing friends to prevent misfortune brought by petty people.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, suggests the idea of grass pulled up, and bringing with it other stalks with whose roots it is connected. Advance (on the part of its subject) will be fortunate.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Pulling up the search-grass by the roots, along with its kind. Campaigning against the enemy is auspicious. The Image says: Pulling up the search-grass, thoroughly conquering the enemy, brings good fortune, indicating that the mind is set on campaigning against the enemy state.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, like-minded people work together, and wealth and profits increase daily. Officials will gradually be promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Succeed through the help of others; gradual promotion.
• Wealth 财运: Partnership will succeed; goods and wealth gather.
• Household 家宅: Reunion and peace.
• Health 身体: Exercising together.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: There is an image of succeeding through the help of others.
• Household 家宅: There is the good fortune of family reunion and safety for all members.
• Business 营商: There is an image of partners sharing the same mind, and goods and wealth assembling.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is the joy of gradual promotion.
• Warfare 战征: Winning by launching an attack.
• Lost Items 失物: Should be searched for in thick grass.
• Pregnancy 六甲: A girl for the first pregnancy, a boy for the third or fourth.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shêng (Pushing Upward) hexagram. Supreme success. It is beneficial to see the great man. Have no fear. Proceeding toward the south brings good fortune. The Image says: The outer trigram is Kun, Kun is Earth; the inner trigram is Xun, Xun is Wood. Wood growing within the earth is the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man, in accordance with this image, conforms with virtue and duty, strengthens his cultivation, and starting from small things, step by step fosters high character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ascending and progressing upward, freely carrying out one's ambitions; emerging from darkness into light, gradually rising and advancing. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their luck is rising, all matters are developing positively upward, plans succeed, and both fame and fortune are achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Kun above). Kun is Earth and compliance; Xun is Wood and humility. The earth grows trees, which gradually develop and grow taller day by day to become useful timber, symbolizing step-by-step career advancement and a promising future, hence the name 'Shêng' (Pushing Upward).

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows one who can bear with the uncultivated, will cross the Ho without a boat, does not forget the distant, and has no (selfish) friendships. Thus does he prove himself acting in accordance with the course of the due Mean.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Crossing the river with a hollowed gourd tied to the body without sinking. Losing coins, but obtaining assistance from others halfway. The Image says: The person has a broad mind and is deeply appreciated by companions, which is because he is open and upright.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, there will be good luck and they will surely meet noble persons, but they must guard against harm to superiors and injury from words. Officials will hold high positions and achieve prominent fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and merit will be prominent; overseas is also suitable.
• Wealth 财运: Profitable for traveling merchants; international trade.
• Household 家宅: Do not trust servants.
• Health 身体: The disease is difficult to cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently at a time when fame and merit are prominent, one can travel far overseas to start and develop enterprises.
• Officialdom 仕途: There is an omen of traveling far on a diplomatic mission or engaging in a military campaign, both yielding good fortune.
• Business 营商: Profit lies in traveling commerce and transporting foreign goods.
• Lost Items 失物: It must have fallen into the water, and is feared difficult to find.
• Illness 疾病: Inauspicious.
• Household 家宅: Be lenient in employing people and decisive in handling matters; do not trust servants exclusively, which could lead to the damage of family property.
• Warfare 战征: There is a trend of conciliating distant people, punishing the disobedient, and expanding borders day by day.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ming I (Darkening of the light) Hexagram. It is beneficial to divine about difficult matters. The Image says: The inner hexagram of this hexagram is Li, Li is the sun; the outer hexagram is Kun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinking into the earth is the image of Darkening of the light. Observing this image, the gentleman governs the people and administers the government not by being harshly scrutinizing to show intelligence, but by being outwardly simple and inwardly wise, tolerating things and drawing close to the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun enters into the earth, and the light is damaged; all things are obstructed, waiting for fortune. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, their fortune is poor, and everything is laborious. They should firmly adhere to the correct path, be patient and self-respecting, and await the opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Li below, Kun above). Li is light, Kun is obedience; Li is the sun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, light is damaged, the future is unclear, and the environment is difficult. It is advisable to follow the times and nurture obscurity, firmly adhere to the correct path, be outwardly simple and inwardly wise, and hide one's light and nurture obscurity.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows that, while there is no state of peace that is not liable to be disturbed, and no departure (of evil men) so that they shall not return, yet when one is firm and correct, as he realises the distresses that may arise, he will commit no error. There is no occasion for sadness at the certainty (of such recurring changes); and in this mood the happiness (of the present) may be (long) enjoyed.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: Flat land will eventually turn into a slope; what departs will surely return. Divining about difficult matters, the line image shows that one will surely overcome the difficulties; do not worry about being captured, and there is still good fortune in food and drink. The Image says: What departs will surely return, this is the law of Heaven and Earth.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, one must be cautious and self-possessed, and it is advisable to be conservative to remain secure; otherwise, one will encounter petty people and meet obstructions in everything. Officials will face a harder time and must guard against petty people and others' jealousy.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Be cautious and conservative; idle pleasure ruins oneself.
• Wealth 财运: Disappointed at present, but there will be great profit later.
• Household 家宅: Guard the ancestral business diligently.
• Health 身体: Children will be fine; inauspicious for the elderly.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The cautious prosper, while the idle and self-indulgent fail; one should pay utmost attention to this.
• Business 营商: Although disappointed now, there will surely be great profit later.
• Warfare 战征: Must guard against enemy ambushes; it is advisable to defend firmly, not to attack.
• Lost Items 失物: Will be found soon.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Although there is danger, there is no blame; will surely give birth to a child of great blessings.
• Household 家宅: Diligently guard the ancestral estate, and one can preserve wealth forever.
• Illness 疾病: No blame for the young, but for the elderly, the critical limit of life faces obstruction.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lin (Approach). Great success and supreme fortune, a favorable divination. When it comes to the eighth month, there may be danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing the Marsh; the upper trigram is Kun, representing the Earth. The dyke rises above the great marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This is the image of Lin (Approach). The superior person, observing this image, rules over the world, teaches and civilizes the people, thinks deeply and extends benevolence, tolerates and embraces all people, and their virtue and deeds are boundless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Approaching the lower from above, supporting and assisting each other; be mindful of danger in times of peace, and always remain cautious and vigilant. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, good fortune arrives, all matters go as wished, and human relations are harmonious, but one should not act with too much haste.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Kun above). Kun is Earth, Dui is Marsh. The earth is higher than the marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This symbolizes the ruler personally presiding over the world, governing the country and securing the state, with harmony between the upper and lower classes.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject fluttering (down);--not relying on his own rich resources, but calling in his neighbours. (They all come) not as having received warning, but in the sincerity (of their hearts).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Deceiving others with clever words will bring disaster to neighboring towns; without vigilance, one will soon meet with disaster and be captured. The Image says: Deceiving others with clever words and bringing disaster to neighbors means suffering losses together. Without vigilance, meeting with disaster and being captured is due to being too honest.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, planning and undertakings will fail, but retreating and guarding one's position will bring peace. For officials, it is difficult to advance and succeed; it is advisable to retreat and hold one's ground.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Friends are of one mind; all matters can be planned.
• Wealth 财运: Strong on the outside but hollow inside; assisted by peers in the same trade.
• Household 家宅: Assisted by relatives and friends; free from worry for the time being.
• Health 身体: No need to worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortunate to have friends sharing the same mind and trust; all matters can be planned.
• Business 营商: On the outside the situation looks very good, but the inside is actually empty; relying entirely on the assistance of peers, things can be accomplished.
• Warfare 战征: Provisions and funds are lacking; one should seize enemy food supply to meet military needs. The minds of the masses are solid and firm; there will be victory and no defeat.
• Family Estate 家业: Originally a wealthy family, but currently strong on the outside and weak inside. Fortunately, relatives and neighbors share resources, so there is no worry about scarcity.
• Lost Items 失物: Most likely left at a neighbor's house; asking them will retrieve it.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great) Hexagram. A favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Qian, Qian is heaven. Thunder rolling in the heavens is the image of the Power of the Great. Looking at this image, the gentleman, seeing the fearsome sudden thunder and the strictness of ritual laws, stands in awe and knows fear, adhering strictly to propriety.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Just and honorable, strong and grand; tolerant and harmonious, avoid impulsiveness. Minor fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is excessively strong. They should remain calm and act with caution; otherwise, mistakes will surely occur.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder; Qian is heaven. Qian is firm, Zhen is movement. Thunder rolls in the heavens, clouds and thunder rumble, the scale is grand, Yang energy is robust and strong, and all things grow. Being firm, strong, and powerful, it is called Zhuang. Great and strong, hence the name Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great). The four Yang lines are strong and flourishing, active and achieving. The upper is upright and the lower is upright; when the pole is straight, the shadow is straight.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth six, divided, reminds us of (king) Tî-yî's (rule about the) marriage of his younger sister. By such a course there is happiness and there will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Emperor Yi of the Yin dynasty marries off his daughter to King Wen of the Zhou, thereby obtaining blessings; supreme good fortune. The Image says: Obtaining blessings and supreme good fortune is because the fifth line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, resembling one who acts in accordance with the Middle Way, and what is done will surely succeed.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they will receive appreciation and promotion from others, or marry and have children, living in happiness and peace. Officials may be promoted or have joyous events.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Treat others with humility; all matters will be auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: International trade is highly profitable.
• Household 家宅: Having a virtuous wife; marrying off or marrying in from afar.
• Health 身体: Will surely receive divine protection.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently prosperous and smooth; it is advisable to be humble and yielding, and all matters will be auspicious.
• Business 营商: Advisable to trade overseas. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Obtaining the virtue of a supportive wife.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Advisable to marry off or marry in from afar. Auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Mainly indicates giving birth to a noble daughter.
• Illness 疾病: Will surely receive divine protection; auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: The finder will surely return it of their own accord.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsü intimates that, with the sincerity which is declared in it, there will be brilliant success. With firmness there will be good fortune; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsü (Waiting) Hexagram. Captives are taken. Great good fortune, a favorable divination. It is beneficial to cross the great river. The Image says: The upper trigram of Hsü is Kan, representing clouds; the lower trigram is Qian, representing heaven. Clouds gather in the sky, waiting to bring rain, which is the image of the Waiting hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, eats and drinks, making merry, and waits for the right time to act.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The pit of Kan is ahead, obstructed and unable to advance; great vessels mature late, and the harvest comes afterwards. Minor misfortune: For those who get this hexagram, the timing is not yet ripe; patience is required to wait, as rushing forward will instead bring misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Kan above). The lower trigram is Qian, meaning strength and vigor; the upper trigram is Kan, meaning danger and pitfall. Meeting danger with strength, one should be stable and prudent, avoiding reckless action, observing the timing and waiting for changes; then where one goes will surely bring success.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth six, divided, shows us the city wall returned into the moat. It is not the time to use the army. (The subject of the line) may, indeed, announce his orders to the people of his own city; but however correct and firm he may be, he will have cause for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: The city wall collapses into the moat. 'Stop the attack,' a command comes from the town. Divining yields an ominous omen. The Image says: The city wall collapses into the moat (one should have taken advantage of the situation to attack, but instead is ordered to stop the attack), which means the commands coming from the town have become chaotic.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: For those who obtain this line, there will be losses and illness, though those who are cautious and kind-hearted may avoid disaster. Officials will be demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Cautiously guard oneself; must guard against petty people.
• Wealth 财运: Try one's luck in a small way and wait for the opportunity.
• Household 家宅: Carefully guard the business.
• Health 身体: Be careful of falling.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently the fortune is reversed; it is advisable to cautiously guard oneself and guard against the manipulation of petty people.
• Business 营商: Advisable to operate on a small scale to wait for a better turn of fortune.
• Warfare 战征: Attacking and capturing the city and land will surely bring victory.
• Household 家宅: Guard against overthrow and ruin; it is advisable to firmly and steadily guard the business.
• Childbirth 生产: Giving birth to a girl.
• Lost Items 失物: Feared difficult to recover.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Under the conditions of Tâ Khû it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (If its subject do not seek to) enjoy his revenues in his own family (without taking service at court), there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous for him to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Ta Ch'u (Great Accumulation / The Taming Power of the Great). A favorable omen of perseverance. Not eating at home, but eating at the court brings good fortune. Divining this hexagram is beneficial for crossing great rivers. The Image says: The inner trigram is Qian (Heaven) and the outer trigram is Gen (Mountain); the sun shines within the mountain, and all things absorb the sunlight, rain, and dew, each fulfilling its life. This is the image of Ta Ch'u. In accordance with this, the gentleman briefs himself on the words and deeds of the ancients to nourish his virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Using Yang to accumulate Yin, restraining the desire to advance; firmly maintaining the correct path, misfortune at first followed by good fortune. A minor fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should firmly maintain the correct path, keep their feet on the ground, and act practically so as to achieve great things. Do not be proud and self-satisfied, or look down on everything.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Gen above). Qian is Heaven, strong and vigorous; Gen is Mountain, solid and sincere. 'Chu' means accumulation, so 'Ta Ch'u' means great accumulation. For this reason, one does not fear severe difficulties and dangers, striving to cultivate oneself to enrich one's moral deeds.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.