Hexagram 15 of 64

Modesty謙

A mountain within the earth. The noble person takes from what is too much, adds to what is too little, and weighs things to give fairly.

Upper
Earth
Lower
Mountain
Order
15 / 64
Pick a line to read it

亨，君子有終。

Judgment: Success. The noble person brings things to a good end.

地中有山，謙；君子以裒多益寡，稱物平施。

Image: A mountain within the earth. The noble person takes from what is too much, adds to what is too little, and weighs things to give fairly.

In plain words

The situation: Modesty is your advantage.

What you can do: Give way a little and take no credit.

For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.

The six lines

  1. 上六鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。Modesty that is heard. It helps to march the army against your own towns and lands.In shortHumility is known, but act too; start by putting your own house in order.
  2. 六五不富，以其鄰，利用侵伐，无不利。Not rich, yet with neighbors alongside. It helps to invade and attack. Nothing fails.In shortRely on goodwill, not wealth; act firmly when needed, and all goes well.
  3. 六四无不利，撝謙。Nothing fails. Show your modesty.In shortPut humility into action everywhere; nothing goes wrong.
  4. 九三勞謙君子，有終吉。Modesty with hard work. The noble person sees it through. Good fortune.In shortWork hard and stay humble about it; this leads to a good end.
  5. 六二鳴謙，貞吉。Modesty that is heard. Steadiness brings good fortune.In shortYour humility is known; stay true to it and things go well.
  6. 初六謙謙君子，用涉大川，吉。Modest, and modest again. The noble person can cross the great river. Good fortune.In shortStay truly humble, and even big challenges can be crossed; this goes well.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.