Hexagram 18 of 64
Work on the Decayed蠱
Wind at the foot of the mountain. The noble person stirs the people and nurtures virtue.
- Upper
- Mountain
- Lower
- Wind
- Order
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元亨。利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。
Judgment: Great success. It helps to cross the great river. Three days before the first day, three days after.
山下有風，蠱；君子以振民育德。
Image: Wind at the foot of the mountain. The noble person stirs the people and nurtures virtue.
In plain words
The situation: An old problem has gone bad and needs fixing.
What you can do: Find the root and change it, after careful thought.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上九不事王侯，高尚其事。Not serving kings or lords, holding your own aims high.In shortNo need to chase rank or power; give yourself to work you find worthy.
- 六五幹父之蠱，用譽。Setting right what the father spoiled, and winning praise.In shortSet the old problem right and you will earn respect and praise.
- 六四裕父之蠱，往見吝。Letting the father's damage stand. Going on brings regret.In shortLetting the old problem slide will only lead to setbacks and embarrassment.
- 九三幹父之蠱，小有悔，无大咎。Setting right what the father spoiled. A little regret, but no great fault.In shortFixing things boldly may bring small regrets, but no serious trouble.
- 九二幹母之蠱，不可貞。Setting right what the mother spoiled. Do not be too rigid.In shortFix the old problem gently; being too rigid will not help here.
- 初六幹父之蠱，有子考，无咎，厲終吉。Setting right what the father spoiled. With such a son, the late father is free of fault. Danger, but good fortune in the end.In shortYou take on a mess left by those before you; it is risky, but careful repair works out in the end.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.