Hexagram 34 of 64
Great Power大壯
Thunder high in heaven. The noble person does not walk any path that goes against what is right.
- Upper
- Thunder
- Lower
- Heaven
- Order
- 34 / 64
利貞。
Judgment: Steadiness pays.
雷在天上，大壯；君子以非禮弗履。
Image: Thunder high in heaven. The noble person does not walk any path that goes against what is right.
In plain words
The situation: You have great momentum.
What you can do: Strong as you are, keep to what is right and do not ram through.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上六羝羊觸藩，不能退，不能遂，无攸利，艱則吉。A ram butts a fence and cannot go back or forward. Nothing is gained. Hardship brings good fortune.In shortStuck between back and forward, forcing gains nothing; accept the hardship and it improves.
- 六五喪羊于易，无悔。The ram is lost at the border. No regret.In shortLetting go of the urge to force things leaves you with no regret.
- 九四貞吉悔亡，藩決不羸，壯于大輿之輹。Steadiness brings good fortune, and regret fades. The fence opens and nothing holds you. Strength lies in the axle of a great cart.In shortStay steady and the barrier gives way; regret fades and you can move ahead.
- 九三小人用壯，君子用罔，貞厲。羝羊觸藩，羸其角。The small person uses strength; the noble person uses none. Steadiness brings danger. A ram butts a fence and catches its horns.In shortForcing your way is like a ram hitting a fence; you get stuck, so hold back.
- 九二貞吉。Steadiness brings good fortune.In shortStay steady and on the right path; it goes well.
- 初九壯于趾，征凶，有孚。Strength in the toes. Going on brings misfortune. There is trust.In shortYou have a little strength and want to charge; moving now goes badly, so steady yourself.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.