Hexagram 51 of 64

The Arousing Thunder震

Thunder upon thunder. The noble person examines themselves in fear and awe.

Upper
Thunder
Lower
Thunder
Order
51 / 64
Pick a line to read it

亨。震來虩虩，笑言啞啞。震驚百里，不喪匕鬯。

Judgment: Success. Thunder comes and people tremble, then laugh and talk. It shakes a hundred miles, yet the ladle and sacred wine are not dropped.

洊雷，震；君子以恐懼脩省。

Image: Thunder upon thunder. The noble person examines themselves in fear and awe.

In plain words

The situation: A sudden shock.

What you can do: Steady yourself and look within. Afterwards you may laugh.

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

The six lines

  1. 上六震索索，視矍矍，征凶。震不于其躬，于其鄰，无咎。婚媾有言。Shaken and looking about in alarm. Going on brings misfortune. If the thunder strikes not you but your neighbor, no fault. There is talk about the marriage.In shortWhen panic spreads, don't act; prepare before it reaches you, though some will grumble.
  2. 六五震往來厲，億无喪，有事。Thunder comes and goes, with danger. Nothing is lost, but there is work to do.In shortShocks keep coming and it is risky, but hold your center and keep to your duties.
  3. 九四震遂泥。Thunder sinks into the mud.In shortAfter the shock you are stuck in the mud; find solid footing first.
  4. 六三震蘇蘇，震行无眚。Shaken and dazed. If shock moves you to act, there is no harm.In shortShaken and unsettled, use the jolt to change course and avoid mistakes.
  5. 六二震來厲，億喪貝，躋于九陵，勿逐，七日得。Thunder brings danger. You lose your wealth and climb nine hills. Do not chase it. In seven days it comes back.In shortThe shock is harsh and costs you; move to safety, don't chase losses, they return in time.
  6. 初九震來虩虩，後笑言啞啞，吉。Thunder comes and people tremble, then laugh and talk. Good fortune.In shortA sudden shock rattles you, but once steady you can laugh about it.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.