The I Ching Speaks!
36. Ming I / Darkening of the Light ---- ---- ---- ---- above K'un The Receptive, Earth ---- ---- ---------- ---- ---- below Li The Clinging, Flame ---------- The Judgement Darkening of the Light. In adversity It furthers one to be persevering. The Image The light has sunk into the earth: The image of Darkening of the Light. Thus does the superior man live with the great mass: He veils his light, yet still shines. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man does not eat for three days On his wanderings. But he has somewhere to go. The host has occasion to gossip about him. () Six in the second place means: Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh. He gives aid with the strength of a horse. Good fortune. Nine in the third place means: Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon. [] Six at the top means: Not light but darkness. First he climbed up to heaven, Then he plunged into the depths of the earth. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ---------- ---- ---- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- below K'an The Abysmal, Water ---- ---- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does.