I Ching 4
Meng
Mountain over Water (Meng)
Judgment
蒙 亨 匪我求童蒙 童蒙求我 初筮告 再三瀆 瀆則不告 利貞
You will prosper. Instead of me going to Dongmong to tell fortunes, Dongmong comes to me and tells fortunes. If you make a fortune for the first time, you will be informed. If you make a fortune for the second or third time, it is to dishonor you, so if you make a fortune, you will not be told. The point is that it is beneficial.
Interpretation
The hexagram "蒙" (Meng) is the fourth hexagram in the I Ching, also known as "The Book of Changes." Here is an explanation in English:
Hexagram Meng (Youthful Folly)
亨 (Heng): Smooth progress, success
匪我求童蒙 (Fei Wo Qiu Tong Meng): It is not I who seek the young and ignorant
童蒙求我 (Tong Meng Qiu Wo): The young and ignorant seek me
初筮告 (Chu Shi Gao): The first oracle gives the correct answer
再三瀆 (Zai San Du): Asking repeatedly is annoying
瀆則不告 (Du Ze Bu Gao): Annoying leads to no answer
利貞 (Li Zhen): Advantageous to be steadfast and upright
Interpretation: Hexagram Meng represents the idea of youthful folly or ignorance. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance and learning. The hexagram suggests that it is not the wise who seek out the ignorant, but rather, the ignorant should seek out the wise for guidance. The first consultation with the oracle provides the correct answer, but repeatedly asking for confirmation shows a lack of respect and understanding, leading to no further answers. Being steadfast and upright is advantageous.
This hexagram emphasizes the importance of being open to learning and seeking knowledge from those who are wise. It also warns against being persistent in a disrespectful or irritating manner.
Changing lines
初六 發蒙,利用刑人,用說桎梏,以往吝.
Initial Six: Awakening ignorance, using punishment for people, using chains and shackles, going brings hardship.
'Bal-mong' means to represent ignorance. 'I-yong' is similar to 'ieo,' meaning continuation. 'Hyeong-in' refers to a criminal receiving punishment, specifically someone imprisoned. 'Yeol' means to cast off and is read as 'tal,' while 'Yong-tal' is similar to 'ital.' 'Jil' refers to shackles, and 'Gok' refers to handcuffs. 'Bal-mong,' 'Hyeong-in,' and 'Jil-gok' all share the same meaning, indicating being trapped in ignorance. The young King Cheng was ignorant, and although escaping ignorance quickly would be beneficial, he still remained in a state of difficulty. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where King Cheng is struggling in ignorance. Hardships will follow, and though one may seek to escape, it will still be difficult. It is best to wait for the right time. The matter inquired about in divination will be challenging.
九二 包蒙,吉·納婦,吉子克家
Nine Second: Embracing ignorance, auspicious, marrying a woman, auspicious, the son will dominate the family.
The character "Packing unit" means to embrace, and "Côt" refers to a simple, ignorant person, symbolizing King Cheng. "Fomong" means Duke Zhou is supporting King Cheng, as he helps the young king with regency. The phrase "Payment:" refers to a son marrying a wife, and "Extreme Price" means to form a family. These phrases refer to the marriage of Duke Zhou's nephew, King Cheng. Duke Zhou, who is helping King Cheng, is in a fortunate situation. With Duke Zhou's support, King Cheng is able to marry and form a family.
六三 勿用取女,見金夫,不有躬,无攸利
Six Third: Do not take a woman, seeing a gold husband, without bodily harm, no benefit.
The metaphor of the man seeking to marry a woman without status suggests that a decision based on superficial attraction will not bring true benefit. It cautions against pursuing a relationship or decision based on fleeting desires, as it could lead to ruin. This emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful choices.
六四 困蒙,吝
Six Fourth: Stuck in ignorance, there is hardship.
The term "Gon Mong" refers to a person in confusion and difficulty. The king has fallen into a predicament caused by his unwise relatives. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation of confusion and difficulty, unable to discern the correct path. The task will be challenging, and difficulties will arise.
六五 童蒙,吉.
Nine Fifth: Childlike ignorance, auspicious.
The young and ignorant King Cheng finds fortune through Duke Zhou’s aid in quelling rebellion. The task at hand will be auspicious, as someone will assist you, ensuring your endeavors succeed in the future.
上九 擊蒙.不利爲寇,利禦寇
Top Nine: Striking ignorance, it is not beneficial to act as a bandit, it is beneficial to resist bandits.
Emerging from ignorance, the young King Cheng sheds his naivety, while thieves threaten and defenses rise. The task at hand marks a shift from confusion to clarity, yet dangers lurk; fortifying against them ensures progress without fault.