Definition of Hexagram 3
彖 tuàn
accurate
initial difficulty
Initial difficulty.
yuán hēng lì zhēn
original • growth • profitable • omen
The initial principle is prosperous. Consistency is profitable.
wù yòng yǒu yōu wàng
not • to act • to have • where • to go
Do not act. There is where to go.
lì jiàn hóu
profitable • establish • feudatory
It is profitable to appoint feudatories.
Structure of Hexagram 3
In hexagram 3, there are twice as many yin lines as yang lines. It is preceded by H2 坤 kūn 'Receptive Force', and followed by H4 蒙 méng 'Youthful Folly' (they belong to the same pair). Its Opposite is H50 鼎 dǐng 'The Cauldron'. Its Nuclear hexagram is H23 剝 bō 'Splitting Apart'. The principal lines are the bottom line and the fifth line. The divinatory formulas used in this text are: 元亨 yuán hēng; 利貞 lì zhēn; 勿用有 wù yòng yǒu.
Interpretation
Despite the initial obstacles, there is a potential for success by acting rigorously and correctly. Perseverance can lead to positive results. Rather than seeking new goals, it is recommended to consolidate the current position. This allows to make the most of the foundations already laid.
Avoid rushing or taking actions lightly. Acting impulsively without considering potential dangers can lead to significant problems later on. Thoughtful planning is essential. Making hasty decisions or overlooking signs of caution can result in setbacks.
At the beginning of a creative process or project, difficulties and confusion often arise. The benefits lie in the fact that despite the initial challenges, correct action can succeed even in times of danger, with the main activity being precisely to solve problems. It is advisable to delegate certain responsibilities and to combine caution and vigilance. Despite the lack of clarity and the risk of grasping inappropriate solutions too quickly, it is possible to produce significant effects in the short and long term.
In summary, to maximize the benefits of this situation, it is essential to adopt a cautious and persevering approach, avoiding impulsive actions and focusing on consolidating the current position. Careful planning and seeking help when needed can lead to success despite the initial challenges.
Nine at the Beginning
First Nine
pán huán
rock • milestone
Hesitate.
lì jū zhēn
profitable • remain • constancy
It is profitable to remain constant.
lì jiàn hóu
profitable • establish • feudatory
It is profitable to appoint feudatories.
Structure of the Bottom Line
The first line generally represents the entry into the situation or what is at the very bottom. It is, along with the fifth line, the master of Hexagram 3. Being a yang line at an odd rank, it is therefore strengthened for this position in Hexagram 3. It is at the base of the trigram ☳ 震 zhèn corresponding to the element 雷 léi 'Thunder'. Its Derivative is H8 hexagram 比 bǐ 'Union'. The only Mantique Formula present in this chapter is: 利居貞 lì jū zhēn.
Interpretation
This situation corresponds to the hesitation and obstacles encountered at the very beginning of a progression. It symbolizes both the feeling of hindrance to progress and the importance of not stubbornly sticking to one's initial choices too quickly. Sometimes, it is wiser to accept abandoning them in favor of an approach more suited to the current position and the intended direction.
Perseverance and determination to maintain the correct course will surely lead to fruitful results. Seeking and identifying support, assistance, or helpers will help overcome uncertainty with more confidence.
It is, in short, crucial to be flexible and reflective in order to address this situation. Accepting the need for adjustments and changes can pave the way for more promising opportunities.
<class="petitesimages"> Small Image of the Bottom Line</class="petitesimages">
suī pán huán
although • rock • milestone
Although hesitant,
zhì xìng zhèng yǐ
will • act • correct • also
The intention and the action are correct.
yǐ guì xià jiàn
thus • precious • under • inexpensive
Treating subordinates with respect,
dà dé mín yǐ
grand • obtain • people • also
we obtain massive support.
Six en Deux
六 二 liù èr
accurate as
initial difficulty • as
Like in the initial difficulty,
zhān rú
struggle to move forward • like
like moving forward with difficulty,
chéng mǎ bān rú
harness • horse • in order • as
like riding a horse and hesitating to move forward.
fěi kòu hūn gòu
bandit • brigand • marriage • marriage
Do not force the alliance.
nǔ zǐ zhēn bù zì
woman • young • omen • step • generate
No omen of childbirth for the young woman.
shí nián nǎi zì
ten • year • then • generate
After ten years, childbirth.
Structure of the Second Trait
The second line is in the middle of what is below or inside. It generally represents the power of application of what is necessary or decided. As a yin line in an even place, it is therefore strengthened for this position of Hexagram 3, and its centrality further enhances this reinforcement. It is in the middle of the trigram ☳ 震 zhèn corresponding to the element 雷 léi 'Thunder' and at the base of the trigram ☷ 坤 kūn corresponding to the element 地 dì 'Earth'. Its Derivative is H60 the hexagram 節 jié 'Moderation'. No Mantique Formula....
Interpretation
When a situation becomes complex and difficulties accumulate, distress generates hesitations and can even lead to regressions. The main complication here lies in the confusion: it is not simply about overcoming an obstacle or facing a threat, but about responding to an untimely proposal of alliance.
In times of confusion and uncertainty, it is wise to wait for the situation to clear up before making major decisions. Resisting the temptation firmly and knowing how to postpone while waiting for a more favorable context will ultimately prove fruitful.
<class="petitesimages"> Small Image of the Second Feature</class="petitesimages">
liù èr zhī nàn
six • two • his • embarrassment
The difficulty of the six in the second place
chéng gāng yǐ
harness • farm • also
is that it is based on a firm line (the nine in the first place).
shí nián nǎi zì
ten • year • then • generate
Wait ten years before getting engaged,
fǎn cháng yǐ
come back • constant • also
is contrary to the norm.
Six en Trois
六 三 liù sān
jí lù wú yú
continue • deer • not • foresee
Pursue the deer without being ready,
wéi rù yú lín zhōng
consist of • penetrate • into • forest • in the center
and thus penetrate to the middle of the woods.
jūn zǐ jǐ bù rú shě
noble • heir • at the very beginning • not • it is better • to renounce
The noble heir, at the slightest hint, prefers to renounce.
wàng lìn
go • discomfort
'Engaging would be a source of regrets.'
Structure of the Third Trait
The third line is the highest line at the bottom. It is the place or time of passage towards the top or the outside. As a yin line at an odd rank, it is weakened in this position of Hexagram 3. It is in the middle of the trigram ☷ 坤 kūn corresponding to the element 地 dì 'Earth', at the top of the trigram ☳ 震 zhèn corresponding to the element 雷 léi 'Thunder', and at the base of the trigram ☶ 艮 gèn corresponding to the element 山 shān 'Mountain'. Its Derivative is H63 hexagram 既濟 jì jì 'Already Fulfilled'. The only Mantique Formula present in this chapter is: 往吝 wàng lìn.
Interpretation
Pursuing a goal without preparation or clear objectives inevitably leads to wandering and getting lost. Being aware of the risks, any wise person will judge at this point that it is better to give up rather than to continue, knowing that continuing can only lead to greater regrets.
It is therefore necessary not to act hastily and blindly. Take the time to understand the situation and obtain the necessary advice and assurance before taking action.
<class="smallimages"> Small Image of the Third Trait</class="smallimages">
jí lù wú yú
approach • deer • step • foresee
Chase the deer without an experienced hunter
yǐ zòng qín yǐ
thus • free • game • also
it's engaging impulsively.
jūn zǐ shě zhī
noble • heir • renounce • his
A noble man refrains from it.
wàng lìn qióng yǐ
go • bother • exhaust • also
Moving forward would lead to regrets and exhaustion.
Six en Quatre
六 四 liù sì
chéng mǎ bān rú
harness • horse • in order • as
Like riding a horse and hesitating to move forward.
qiú hūn gòu
search • wedding • wedding
Propose marriage.
wàng jí
to go • good omen
'Engaging is conducive.'
wú bù lì
step • by • step • profitable
Nothing that is not profitable.
Structure of the Fourth Trait
The fourth line is the lowest line at the top. It is the place or time of transition from transmission downwards or inwards. As a yin line at an even rank, it is therefore strengthened for this position in Hexagram 3. It is in the middle of the trigram ☶ 艮 gèn corresponding to the element 山 shān 'Mountain', at the top of the trigram ☷ 坤 kūn corresponding to the element 地 dì 'Earth', and at the base of the trigram ☵ 坎 kǎn corresponding to the element 水 shuǐ 'Water'. Its Derivative is H17 hexagram 隨 suí 'Following'. The Mantique Formulas used in this text are: 往吉 wàng jí; 无不利 wú bù lì.
Interpretation
Even after implementing appropriate means and approach by oneself, it is possible to find oneself in a situation of difficulties and hesitations in the face of uncertainty.
In such circumstances, consider the opportunities offered by the context, seek alliances, accept or request help. This will invariably lead to positive results.
<class="petitesimages"> Small Image of the Fourth Trait</class="petitesimages">
qiú ér wàng míng yǐ
search • and so • go • light • also
'« Seek » \[marriage\] and « move forward » are obvious.'
Nine in Five
九 五 jiǔ wǔ
accurate and high
initial difficulty • sound • fertile
Initial difficulty fruitful.
xiǎo zhēn jí
small • omen • good omen
A small persistence is conducive.
dà zhēn xiōng
grand • omen • closure
A great persistence is untimely.
Structure of the Fifth Trait
The fifth line is in the middle of what is above or outside. It represents the power of decision or inspiration. It is, along with the bottom line, the master of Hexagram 3. Being a yang line at an odd rank, it is therefore strengthened for this position of Hexagram 3, and its centrality further enhances this reinforcement. It is in the middle of the trigram ☵ 坎 kǎn corresponding to the element 水 shuǐ 'Water' and at the top of the trigram ☶ 艮 gèn corresponding to the element 山 shān 'Mountain'. Its Derivative is H24 the hexagram 復 fù 'Return'. The Mantique Formulas used in this text are: 貞吉 zhēn jí; 貞凶 zhēn xiōng.
Interpretation
When progress becomes palpable and difficulties begin to fade, it becomes crucial not to risk squandering the benefits already acquired by investing in overly ambitious projects. On the other hand, success is assured if one chooses to carefully refine the current approach without altering the direction or scope.
Envisaging projects that are too large early and impulsively would only cause inevitable troubles.
<class="petitesimages"> Small Image of the Fifth Trait</class="petitesimages">
accurate and high
initial difficulty • sound • fertile
'Fertile initial difficulty',
shī wèi guāng yǐ
deploy • upcoming • bright • also
but the benefits are not yet visible.
Six Above
上 六 shàng liù
chéng mǎ bān rú
harness • horse • in order • as
Like riding a horse and hesitating to move forward.
qì xuè lián rú
cry in silence • blood • wrinkles on the surface of the water • like
Like shedding streams of tears of blood.
Structure of the Upper Line
The last line generally represents the way out of the situation or what is at the top. As a yin line in an even place, it is therefore strengthened for this position of Hexagram 3. It is at the top of the trigram ☵ 坎 kǎn corresponding to the element 水 shuǐ 'Water'. Its Derivative is H42 hexagram 益 yì 'Increase'. No Mantique Formula....
Interpretation
At the peak of difficulties, the situation may seem desperate: events have reached a critical point, and no solution seems conceivable. However, the greatest risk would lie in inertia caused by hesitation in the face of uncertainty.
By taking a broader view, it is essential to adopt a wider perspective in order to reexamine the essence of your goals and the true long-term consequences.
<class="petitesimages"> Small Image of the Upper Line</class="petitesimages">
qì xuè lián rú
cry in silence • blood • wrinkles on the surface of the water • like
As spreading streams of tears of blood.
hé kě zhǎng yǐ
comment ? • power • elder • also
How could this last long?
Large Image
大象 dà xiàng
yún léi
cloud • thunder
Clouds and thunder.
zhūn
initial difficulty
Initial difficulty.
jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún
noble • heir • thus • fundamental rule • put in order
Thus the noble heir, by establishing fundamental principles, puts things in order.
Structure of the Great Image
Hexagram 3 is composed of the trigram ☳ 震 zhèn at the bottom and ☵ 坎 kǎn at the top. The nuclear trigram at the bottom is ☷ 坤 kūn, and the one at the top is ☶ 艮 gèn. The trigrams absent from Hexagram 3 are ☴ 巽 xùn, ☲ 離 lí, ☱ 兌 duì, ☰ 乾 qián. The emblematic figure of Hexagram 3 is: 君子 jūn zǐ, the noble heir.
Interpretation
To restore order from confusion, it is recommended to adopt a methodical approach. This involves identifying disruptive elements and implementing measures to resolve them.
It is advisable to coordinate and organize the various elements of the situation. This coordination can be achieved by establishing or applying laws, rules, or regulatory principles.
When difficulties are omnipresent, the problems are likely deep. Overcoming them requires special attention and targeted measures. Major changes may be needed to address the difficulty. This can lead to temporary disruptions and require significant adjustments.
In short, to address this situation, it is recommended to adopt a methodical approach to problem-solving, to coordinate and organize relevant elements. It is essential to remain aware of the prevalence of difficulty and be prepared to make substantial changes if necessary.
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