The I Ching Speaks!



     25.  Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected)

          ----------
          ----------     above     Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------

     The Judgement

          Innocence. Supreme success.
          Perseverance furthers.
          If someone is not as he should be,
          He has misfortune,
          And it does not further him
          To undertake anything.

     The Image

          Under heaven thunder rolls:
          All things attain the natural state of innocence.
          Thus the kings of old,
          Rich in virtue, and in harmony with the time,
          Fostered and nourished all beings.

     The Lines

     ()   Nine at the beginning means:
          Innocent behavior brings good fortune.

          Six in the second place means:
          If one does not count on the harvest while plowing,
          Nor on the use of the ground while clearing it,
          It furthers one to undertake something.


     6.   Sung / Conflict

          ----------
          ----------     above     Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ----------     below     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          Conflict. You are sincere
          And are being obstructed.
          A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune.
          Going through to the end brings misfortune.
          It furthers one to see the great man.
          It does not further one to cross the great water.

     The Image

          Heaven and water go their opposite ways:
          The image of Conflict.
          Thus in all his transactions the superior man
          Carefully considers the beginning.