Hexagram 36 of 64
Darkening of the Light明夷
Brightness sinks into the earth. The noble person leads the people by keeping their light hidden.
- Upper
- Earth
- Lower
- Fire
- Order
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利艱貞。
Judgment: It helps to stay steady through hardship.
明入地中，明夷；君子以蒞眾，用晦而明。
Image: Brightness sinks into the earth. The noble person leads the people by keeping their light hidden.
In plain words
The situation: The light is hidden and the setting is against you.
What you can do: Keep low, protect yourself and wait.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上六不明晦，初登于天，後入于地。No light, only darkness. First it climbs to heaven, then it falls into the earth.In shortBright turns dark and high turns low; early glory does not last, so be ready.
- 六五箕子之明夷，利貞。The darkening of the light of Prince Ji. It helps to stay steady.In shortIn hard times, hide your brilliance and hold to your principles.
- 六四入于左腹，獲明夷之心，于出門庭。Entering the left side of the belly, you reach the heart of the darkened light and leave by the gate.In shortYou have seen what is really going on inside; it is time to get out.
- 九三明夷于南狩，得其大首，不可疾貞。The light is wounded on the southern hunt, and the great chief is taken. Do not rush to be steady.In shortYou can remove the root of the problem, but go slowly, not in a rush.
- 六二明夷，夷于左股，用拯馬壯，吉。The light is wounded in the left thigh. Rescue comes with a strong horse. Good fortune.In shortYou have taken a blow but can still move; get strong help quickly and things improve.
- 初九明夷于飛，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食，有攸往，主人有言。The bright bird flies, wings drooping. The noble person travels and goes three days without food. There is somewhere to go; the host has words to say.In shortThings are turning dark; leave quietly and endure hardship and gossip on the way.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.