I Ching · No.19 · Lin / Approach

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

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.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Living water flows, good fortune is just arriving.
• Wealth 财运: Business operations are successful, profits can be expected.
• Household 家宅: Family business is thriving; harmony between the two families.
• Health 身体: The illness will drag on, but it will not lead to danger.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Current undertakings are just like a pool of living water, flowing freely and naturally, and good fortune is long-lasting.
• Business 营商: The marsh represents goods, and the earth represents the place of transport and trade. Obtaining this divination, the profits are generous and far-reaching. Very auspicious.
• Household 家宅: This residence must be near a watery marsh land. The family business is thriving, and both wealth and offspring are abundant. Very auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: The battle array should face the water. Not only will victory be won in the short term, but there is also the image of all people submitting and returning.
• Illness 疾病: Life can be preserved, but the illness will drag on for a long time, and is difficult to cure quickly.
• Litigation 讼事: It is feared that it will not be settled for a long time.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Harmony between the two families, prosperity for five generations. Very auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Travelers 行人: Will not return for the time being.
• Lost Items 失物: Look for it on the river bank, and it is guaranteed to be found.

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.

• Overall Image 大象: The water of the pool and marsh irrigates all things on the earth, complementing each other and generating life endlessly.
• Fortune 运势: All matters are smooth and prosperous, upper and lower classes are in harmony, the future is promising, but one should not act with too much haste.
• Career 事业: It is an excellent time for success; be sure to seize the opportunity and do not miss it. However, one must not be content with this, as fortune will quickly pass. One must make long-term plans, pay attention to summarizing experience, unite with others, and jointly open up new fields.
• Business 经商: Business will go very smoothly and yield harvests, but one must pay attention to market trends at all times, work diligently and conscientiously, prevent unexpected accidents, and especially handle interpersonal relationships properly.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One's own efforts have reached the harvest season. One should be more humble, demand strict standards of oneself, and realize one's goals with caution and care. Unexpected events are likely to occur, and one should deal with them calmly with a strong will; being too weak will lead to missing the opportunity.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Step up efforts and go all out. If both parties treat each other with sincerity and trust, it will be happy and harmonious.
• Decision 决策: Flexible-minded, good at socializing with others, independent in opinion, and possessing leadership talent. It is essential to strengthen one's comprehensive personal cultivation, treat others with sincerity and trust, and establish good personal prestige. In particular, having a far-sighted vision and long-term plans will guarantee a prosperous career and a bright future.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject advancing in company (with the subject of the second line). Through his firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: Ruling the people through influence and persuasion. Divination yields an auspicious omen. The Image says: Ruling the people through influence and persuasion; the way of governance is upright and naturally auspicious, because the mind is correct and the conduct is upright.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they will meet with good fortune, and their business planning will be satisfying. Officials will win the support of the public and can be promoted. Scholars taking examinations will surely achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: First entering good fortune; maintaining uprightness brings great good fortune.
• Wealth 财运: New goods are launched, naturally yielding profit.
• Household 家宅: Auspicious events arrive at the door; a good match can be made.
• Health 身体: An illness just beginning is guaranteed to be cured.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the new fortune has just begun. If one can maintain uprightness, nothing will be unfavorable.
• Business 营商: It is the time when new goods are first coming out, and the market price is fair and stable. One can fully trade and transport them, and everything will go as desired. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: It must be a loyal, honest, and upright family, and auspicious events happen to arrive at the door. Great advantage.
• Warfare 战征: When facing the battle array for the first time, it is advisable to advance along the main road. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The illness has just started, and the vital energy is sufficient. It is guaranteed to be cured soon.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The families match in social status, and conduct is upright. A good match.
• Litigation 讼事: Once the trial starts, it can be settled immediately.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; joy when the time of delivery comes.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shih (The Army) Hexagram. Divination about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no disaster. The Image says: The lower trigram is Kan, and Kan is water; the upper trigram is Kun, and Kun is earth, resembling 'water in the midst of the earth'. This is the image of the Army Hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the earth that holds rivers, accommodating and nurturing the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Worrying and exhausting the masses, with infinite changes; fair and selfless, overcoming all difficulties. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face numerous difficulties, with worry and exhaustion for the masses. It is advisable to tolerate others, work hard, and eliminate all obstacles.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). 'Shih' refers to the army. Kan is water, danger; Kun is earth, obedience, implying quartering troops among the peasantry. Military actions are dangerous and war is risky; employing the army is a last resort for the sage. However, it can resolve conflicts smoothly without obstacles because it conforms to the situation and is launched for a just cause, thereby turning misfortune into good fortune.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject advancing in company (with the subject of the first line). There will be good fortune; (advancing) will be in every way advantageous.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: Ruling the people through gentle policies, auspicious, nothing is unfavorable. The Image says: Ruling the people through gentle policies, auspicious, nothing is unfavorable, because the people have not yet been tamed and become obedient.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, business planning yields profits, but one should recognize the opportunities clearly, otherwise things cannot be accomplished, which is a blemish in an otherwise perfect situation. Officials will be open and aboveboard, with a high and pure status.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Helped by benefactors; luck is at its best.
• Wealth 财运: Operating repeatedly, still yielding profits.
• Household 家宅: The star of good fortune shines brightly; marriage is also auspicious.
• Health 身体: No major issue; litigation is unresolved.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently excellent, and supported by a benefactor. Very auspicious.
• Business 营商: Having obtained good fortune the first time, it will be even more profitable the second time.
• Household 家宅: There is the image of the star of good fortune shining down; both before and after are auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Make redoubled efforts, and everything will be auspicious wherever you go. However, guard against subordinates who do not follow orders, which may lead to defeat.
• Marriage 婚嫁: All are beneficial, but it is best for those born in the year of the Goat.
• Litigation 讼事: Will not lead to defeat, but compliance is not achieved for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, but not yet delivered.
• Travelers 行人: The return date of the person abroad is not yet set.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Fû indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and entrances; friends come to him, and no error is committed . He will return and repeat his (proper) course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Fu (Return). Pervasive success. Going out and staying at home are both free from illness. There is profit to be made, and one can remain free from disaster. On the return journey, one will return in seven days. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Xiang Commentary says: The inner trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, representing thunder, and the outer is Kun, representing earth. When the weather is freezing and cold, thunder returns to the earth; going out and returning, returning in accordance with the season, this is the image of the Return hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking thunder as their model, closed the city gates on the winter solstice, not admitting merchants and travelers, and the ruler did not inspect the states.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cycles recur, and the spark of life buds anew; success is in sight, but impatience leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortunes are turning for the better. By going with the flow, undertakings can succeed, but it is not advisable to advance too hastily.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Kun above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Kun represents earth and compliance. Movement with compliance, following nature. Movement within compliance, yang on the inside and yin on the outside, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which is advantageous for moving forward.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows one well pleased (indeed) to advance, (but whose action) will be in no way advantageous. If he become anxious about it (however), there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Three: Ruling the people through coercive policies brings no benefit. If there is regret and concern, the disaster can be eliminated. The Image says: Ruling the people through coercive policies is just like the yin line of Six Three inappropriately occupying a yang position; such a ruler is not competent. If there can be regret and concern, the disaster can be eliminated.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: For those who obtain this line, there is sorrow, and they will suffer hardship and fatigue. Officials will be attacked by slander from petty people, unable to stretch their ambitions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Knowing regret and correcting oneself, future fortune can be expected.
• Wealth 财运: The sugar industry is profitable; other businesses are not necessarily so.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to relocate; marriage is not harmonious.
• Health 身体: The medicine does not match the disease; bitter and pungent remedies may be taken.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is poor and conduct is not upright, but fortunately one can feel regret, and future fortune can be hoped for.
• Business 营商: The shop location is not right, but trading in the sugar industry is good.
• Household 家宅: The fortune of the house is poor; it is auspicious to relocate.
• Warfare 战征: The camp is inappropriately positioned; moving the camp brings good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: The medicine does not match the disease. It is advisable to take bitter and pungent remedies; no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Not harmonious.
• Travelers 行人: No benefit is gained abroad; will return in the near future.
• Lost Items 失物: Can be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, but feared difficult to raise to maturity.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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

Changing Hexagram (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.

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.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows one advancing in the highest mode. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Four: Personally administering the state and ruling the people, there is no harm. The Image says: Personally administering the state and ruling the people brings no harm, just as the yin line of Six Four occupies a yin position. Such a ruler is competent.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, human relations are harmonious and business is profitable, but to achieve great things, one must proceed with caution and make preparations before advancing. Officials will receive help from colleagues.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has arrived; there is auspiciousness and no misfortune.
• Wealth 财运: Buying and selling are timely; everything is favorable.
• Household 家宅: Family business is thriving; marriage is suitable.
• Health 身体: A dangerous condition, but still curable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has arrived, everything is appropriate, auspicious and no misfortune.
• Business 营商: At present, transporting and trading goods is timely; everything is favorable.
• Household 家宅: The house position is appropriate, the family business is prosperous; no blame.
• Warfare 战征: The time has come, just right to face the enemy and win victory.
• Illness 疾病: Although extremely critical, there may still be no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Joyous with each other, and the family status matches.
• Travelers 行人: Will arrive immediately.
• Lost Items 失物: Will be found immediately.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwei Mei indicates that (under the conditions which it denotes) action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Marrying Maiden. Divining this hexagram, setting forth on an expedition is dangerous. Nothing is advantageous. The Image says: The hexagram of the Marrying Maiden: the lower trigram is Dui, which represents the marsh; the upper trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Thus, thunder rolls over the marsh, and the thunder moves the water, which metaphorically represents the mutual attraction of man and woman falling in love and forming a union. This is the image of the Marrying Maiden hexagram. In observing this image, the superior man perceives the success and failure of marriage in the long course of married life.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Violating the natural order, one's path will come to an end; examine the principles of things clearly, and bring an end to wild delusions. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, in times of difficulty, acting contrary to the natural order will bring continuous disasters. It is advisable to clearly examine principles, cultivate the mind and character, and eliminate wild delusions.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (lower Dui and upper Zhen). Zhen is movement and the eldest son; Dui is joy and the youngest daughter. With the youngest daughter following the eldest son, feelings of affection arise, initiating the movement toward marriage and the image of marrying off a daughter, hence it is called the Marrying Maiden (Kuei Mei).

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows the advance of wisdom, such as befits the great ruler. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Five: Ruling the people with wisdom, attaining the proper demeanor of a ruler, naturally auspicious. The Image says: Attaining the proper demeanor of a ruler, because the line of Six Five occupies the central position of the upper trigram, just like a person acting in accordance with the correct and middle way.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, all things go as wished. Officials will be appreciated by their superiors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Right in the midst of good fortune, and helped by others.
• Wealth 财运: Understanding the market conditions naturally leads to profit.
• Household 家宅: The five blessings descend upon the house; suitable for home and family.
• Health 身体: Treated by a good doctor, naturally curable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently fortune is timely, and helped by good people, everything is easy to accomplish. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: Knowing the past and predicting the future, well-versed in market conditions, naturally yielding profit. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: There is a sign of the five blessings descending upon the house. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Able to win the hearts of the troops; thus knowing oneself and the enemy, victorious in every battle.
• Illness 疾病: A good doctor will be found who understands the cause of the disease in detail; treatment will naturally lead to recovery.
• Marriage 婚姻: Suitable for home and family. Very auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: Someone has picked it up; it will be known after a long time.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, who will be noble.
• Travelers 行人: Still on the way, will return in a few days.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Chieh (Limitation). Success. If one finds limitation painful, its good or bad fortune cannot be divined. The Image says: The lower trigram is Dui, which is the lake; the upper trigram is Kan, which is water. Water fills the lake, so one must build high dikes; this is the image of Chieh. The superior man, observing this image, establishes policy systems and confirms ethical principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Maintain self-control and moderation, stop at the right point; assess the timing and situation, know how to adapt. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is advisable to keep to one's place and avoid insatiable greed. Everything must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui is the lake, Kan is water. The lake contains water, but its flow is limited; if there is too much, it will overflow. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Chieh (Limitation). The Chieh hexagram is the opposite of the Huan hexagram; they are mutual inverse hexagrams, used in conjunction. Only when heaven and earth have measure can they remain ever-new; only when the state has regulation can it remain stable; only when the individual has self-control can they achieve perfection.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, divided, shows the advance of honesty and generosity. There will be good fortune, and no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: Ruling the people through honesty and generosity, auspicious, naturally without disaster. The Image says: Ruling the people through honesty and generosity is auspicious because the intention of honesty and sincerity resides in the heart.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they will make many profits, and everything will be favorable. However, guard against declining after the momentum becomes too strong. Officials will be valued by their superiors and entrusted with heavy responsibilities.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has ended; remaining honest and generous brings no blame.
• Wealth 财运: Trading in the inland area still yields profits.
• Household 家宅: Honest, generous, solemn, and respectful.
• Health 身体: Nourishing the vital energy naturally leads to health.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the good fortune has ended, but because one's heart is honest and generous, one obtains no blame.
• Business 营商: Trading in the inland area. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Loyal and honest for generations, solemn and respectful both inside and outside. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to increase troops and supplies, with the protection of the inland area as the priority.
• Illness 疾病: Nourishing the vital energy; recovery without medicine.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Lost Items 失物: It is right inside the house, not actually lost.
• Travelers 行人: Will return on this very day.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Sun (Decrease). If divination encounters this hexagram, there will be gains, supreme good fortune, no disaster, and it is a favorable inquiry. Moreover, proceeding will bring benefit. Someone will present two bowls of food, which may be enjoyed. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen, Gen represents mountain; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui represents lake. Thus, having a lake below the mountain is the image of the Decrease hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, takes warning from the lake water eroding the foot of the mountain, thereby restraining their anger and blocking their desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the lower to increase the upper, decreasing the full to increase the empty; difficult at first and easy later, measuring expenditure by income. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram decrease themselves to benefit others. Although there will be some setbacks at the beginning, giving will always bring returns, representing a sign of blessing in disguise.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Dui below, Gen above). Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. With the mountain above and the lake below, the great lake erodes the base of the mountain. Decrease and increase alternate; there is gain in loss, and loss in gain. One must handle the relation between the two cautiously. Decreasing the lower to increase the upper: in governing a state, excess will damage the foundation of the country. Decrease where decrease is due, but it must be within one's capacity and moderate. Minimizing decrease and maximizing increase is the best.

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.