Hexagram 1 of 64
The Creative Heaven乾
Heaven moves with strength. The noble person grows strong and never rests.
- Upper
- Heaven
- Lower
- Heaven
- Order
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元亨。利貞。
Judgment: Great success. Steadiness pays.
天行健,君子以自強不息。
Image: Heaven moves with strength. The noble person grows strong and never rests.
In plain words
The situation: Your energy is high and things are rising.
What you can do: Act, but stop short of overreach.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 用九見羣龍无首,吉。A flock of loongs appears with no leader. Good fortune.In shortEveryone is capable and no one dominates; working as equals goes well.
- 上九亢龍,有悔。The loong has climbed too high. There will be regret.In shortYou have pushed too far; ease off now or you will regret it.
- 九五飛龍在天,利見大人。The loong flies in the sky. It helps to see a great person.In shortThis is your moment to shine; act boldly and work with the right people.
- 九四或躍在淵,无咎。The loong may leap, or stay in the deep. No fault.In shortYou may leap forward or hold back for now; choose once you see clearly.
- 九三君子終日乾乾,夕惕若;厲,无咎。The noble person works hard all day and stays watchful at night. There is danger, but no fault.In shortWork hard by day and review yourself at night; there is risk, but no serious mistake.
- 九二見龍在田,利見大人。The loong appears in the field. It helps to see a great person.In shortYou are starting to be noticed; seek advice from someone experienced.
- 初九潛龍勿用。The loong lies hidden. Do not act yet.In shortThe time is not right yet; build your skill and stay out of sight.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.