Hexagram 16 of 64

Enthusiasm豫

Thunder bursts from the earth. The early kings made music to honor virtue, offered it in full to the Supreme Lord, and shared it with their ancestors.

Upper
Thunder
Lower
Earth
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16 / 64
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利建侯行師。

Judgment: It helps to appoint helpers and send out the army.

雷出地奮，豫。先王以作樂崇德，殷薦之上帝，以配祖考。

Image: Thunder bursts from the earth. The early kings made music to honor virtue, offered it in full to the Supreme Lord, and shared it with their ancestors.

In plain words

The situation: The mood is easy and people are happy.

What you can do: Rally people and prepare, but do not lose yourself in pleasure.

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

The six lines

  1. 上六冥豫，成有渝，无咎。Enthusiasm in the dark. If it changes once complete, no fault.In shortYou have been lost in pleasure too long; change course now and you will be fine.
  2. 六五貞疾，恆不死。Steadily ill, but lasting without dying.In shortYou are under long pressure, but you can hold on; keep your own steady pace.
  3. 九四由豫，大有得。勿疑。朋盍簪。The source of enthusiasm. Much is gained. Do not doubt. Friends gather like hair in a clasp.In shortYou are the one who rallies others; gains are big, so trust it and friends gather.
  4. 六三盱豫，悔。遲有悔。Looking up in hope of pleasure: regret. Delay brings regret as well.In shortChasing pleasure by watching others brings regret; waiting too long also brings regret.
  5. 六二介于石，不終日，貞吉。Firm as a rock, not waiting out the day. Steadiness brings good fortune.In shortStay firm as stone and do not get carried away; see clearly and act. It goes well.
  6. 初六鳴豫，凶。Enthusiasm that is heard. Misfortune.In shortBragging about your good mood too early goes badly; tone it down.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.