Hexagram 1 of 64

The Creative Heaven乾

Heaven moves with strength. The noble person grows strong and never rests.

Upper
Heaven
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Heaven
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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.