The I Ching Speaks!



     3.   Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------

     The Judgement

          Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success,
          Furthering through perseverance.
          Nothing should be undertaken.
          It furthers one to appoint helpers.

     The Image

          Clouds and thunder:
          The image of Difficulty at the Beginning.
          Thus the superior man
          Brings order out of confusion.

     The Lines

     ()   Nine in the fifth place means:
          Difficulties in blessing.
          A little perseverance brings good fortune.
          Great perseverance brings misfortune.


     24.  Fu / Return (The Turning Point)

          ---- ----
          ---- ----     above     K'un   The Receptive, Earth
          ---- ----
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------

     The Judgement

          Return. Success.
          Going out and coming in without error.
          Friends come without blame.
          To and fro goes the way.
          On the seventh day comes return.
          It furthers one to have somewhere to go.

     The Image

          Thunder within the earth:
          The image of the Turning Point.
          Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes
          At the time of solstice.
          Merchants and strangers did not go about,
          And the ruler
          Did not travel through the provinces.