Qian
Judgment
謙亨君子有終
It will be prosperous, and gentleman will have good results.
Interpretation
Gen (Mountain). Kun represents the earth, while Gen represents a mountain. The image of this hexagram is a mountain hidden within the earth.
A mountain within the earth signifies that, internally, it is high, but externally, it appears low. This symbolizes a person who possesses great talent but does not boast, high virtue but does not flaunt it, remarkable achievements but does not claim credit, great honor but does not seek praise, a high position but does not become arrogant, and great wealth but does not display extravagance. These qualities represent being lofty on the inside while remaining humble on the outside. Qian means modesty.
In the hexagram statement, "Zhong" (終) indicates a favorable outcome. If a person is modest, all matters will proceed smoothly. Therefore, a noble person’s actions will bring good results.
If a person casts divination and receives this hexagram, they should reflect on the hexagram’s imagery and meaning. One must uphold morality and etiquette, remaining endlessly humble and placing oneself in a low position. Overconfidence, greed, or arrogance should be avoided.
Since a high mountain is hidden beneath the low earth, one should follow the mountain’s example of modesty, bowing one’s head and living humbly. Just as a ripe grain of rice bends downward because it is full, a person who has truly matured must display greater humility.
A mountain gradually erodes itself to fill the lowlands, just as one should willingly give away from their abundance to support others who lack. If a person conducts themselves with such modesty, all matters will proceed harmoniously, and a noble person will receive blessings and achieve a favorable outcome.
初六 謙謙,君子用涉大川,吉
Initial Six: Modesty, the gentleman crosses the great river, good fortune.
'Gyeomgyeom' means being humble again and again. 'Yong' is similar in meaning. 'Seop' means to cross water. A noble person is humble and even more humble, so when crossing a great river, they will avoid disaster and cross safely, leading to benefit and good fortune. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where a noble person is humble and even more humble. Lower yourself and do not be arrogant. Even when facing difficulties, you will pass through safely. The matter inquired about in divination will be auspicious.
六二 鳴謙,貞吉
Six Second: The cry of humility, persistence brings good fortune.
The character "me" refers to fame. "Myunggyeom" means having fame while being humble. This refers to achieving fame while remaining modest.
九三 勞謙,君子有終,吉
Nine Third: Labor in humility, the gentleman has success in the end, good fortune.
The person is in a high position but does not possess the proper qualities for leadership. This situation warns against arrogance and signifies a need for humility. The outcome will be favorable for those who act with humility.
六四 无不利,撝謙
Six Fourth: No blame, supporting humility.
The term "Wi" means to give, and "Wi-gyeom" refers to being humble in giving. The hexagram speaks of the idea that when a person gives without selfishness, they will receive more in return. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they are giving selflessly and humbly. The task will be prosperous.
六四 无不利,撝謙
Six Fourth: No blame, supporting humility.
The person is in a situation where resistance to fate or circumstances brings disaster. The outcome is dire, and the individual is likely to face significant troubles as a result of opposing natural forces. The task at hand is likely to lead to negative consequences if resistance continues.
上六 鳴謙,利用行師征邑國
Top Six: The cry of humility, using the army to conquer villages.
Fame comes with humility, yet raising an army stirs the tide. The task at hand blends renown with modesty; mobilizing forces may bring glory, but maintaining humility ensures success without arrogance clouding the path.