The I Ching Speaks!



     51.  Ch^en / The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)

          ---- ----
          ---- ----     above     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------

     The Judgement

          Shock brings success.
          Shock comes--oh, oh!
          Laughing words--ha, ha!
          The shock terrifies for a hundred miles,
          And he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.

     The Image

          Thunder repeated: the image of Shock.
          Thus in fear and trembling
          The superior man sets his life in order
          And examines himself.

     The Lines

          Six at the top means:
          Shock brings ruin and terrified gazing around.
          Going ahead brings misfortune.
          If it has not yet touched one's own body
          But has reached one's neighbor first,
          There is no blame.
          One's comrades have something to talk about.


     21.  Shih Ho / Biting Through

          ----------
          ---- ----     above     Li     The Clinging, Flame
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------

     The Judgement

          Biting Through has success.
          It is favorable to let justice be administered.

     The Image

          Thunder and lightning:
          The image of Biting Through.
          Thus the kings of former times made firm the laws
          Through clearly defined penalties.