Hexagram 15
謙 Qiān · Modesty
Legge: Khien
☷ Earth (Kūn) above ☶ Mountain (Gèn)
Scryway summary
Modern commentary written for Scryway. Not part of the classic text.
The mountain under the earth. Balance excess and lack without making much of yourself.
The judgment
Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).
The image
(The trigram for) the earth and (that of) a mountain in the midst of it form Khien. The superior man, in accordance with this, diminishes what is excessive (in himself), and increases where there is any defect, bringing about an equality, according to the nature of the case, in his treatment (of himself and others).
The lines, bottom to top
- Bottom line, broken
The first line, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.
- Second line, broken
The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
- Third line, solid
The third line, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.
- Fourth line, broken
The fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.
- Fifth line, broken
The fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.
- Top line, broken
The sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.
Quoted from James Legge (trans.), The Yi King, Sacred Books of the East vol. XVI, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1882. Public domain. The image is from Legge’s Appendix II. Words in parentheses are Legge’s additions.