大壯 Dà Zhuàng · Great strength

The judgment

Ta Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

The image

(The trigram representing) heaven and above it that for thunder form Ta Kwang. The superior man, in accordance with this, does not take a step which is not according to propriety.

The lines, bottom to top

1. Bottom line, solid

   The first line, undivided, shows its subject manifesting his strength in his toes. But advance will lead to evil,—most certainly.

2. Second line, solid

   The second line, undivided, shows that with firm correctness there will be good fortune.

3. Third line, solid

   The third line, undivided, shows, in the case of a small man, one using all his strength; and in the case of a superior man, one whose rule is not to do so. Even with firm correctness the position would be perilous. (The exercise of strength in it might be compared to the case of) a ram butting against a fence, and getting his horns entangled.

4. Fourth line, solid

   The fourth line, undivided, shows (a case in which) firm correctness leads to good fortune, and occasion for repentance disappears. (We see) the fence opened without the horns being entangled. The strength is like that in the wheel-spokes of a large waggon.

5. Fifth line, broken

   The fifth line, divided, shows one who loses his ram(-like strength) in the ease of his position. (But) there will be no occasion for repentance.

6. Top line, broken

   The sixth line, divided, shows (one who may be compared to) the ram butting against the fence, and unable either to retreat, or to advance as he would fain do. There will not be advantage in any respect; but if he realise the difficulty (of his position), there will be good fortune.