Zhun

Judgment

屯 元亨 利貞 勿用有攸往 利建侯

It is beneficial for you to be greatly prosperous. Even if you have a place to go, don't go there. It will be beneficial to establish a feudal lord.

Interpretation

The hexagram "屯" (Zhun) is the third hexagram in the I Ching, also known as "The Book of Changes." Here is an explanation in English:

Hexagram Zhun (Difficulty at the Beginning)

元 (Yuan): The origin, primal, fundamental

亨 (Heng): Smooth progress, success

利 (Li): Favorable, advantageous

貞 (Zhen): Correctness, integrity, steadfastness

勿用有攸往 (Wu Yong You You Wang): Do not use (or act) if you have somewhere to go (or aims)

利建侯 (Li Jian Hou): Advantageous to establish lords (leaders)

Interpretation: Hexagram Zhun signifies the initial difficulties and obstacles one may encounter at the beginning of an endeavor. However, with perseverance, correctness, and steadfastness, smooth progress and success can be achieved. It advises against acting hastily or pursuing goals without careful planning and consideration. It is beneficial to establish strong leadership and structure to overcome these initial challenges.

This hexagram reflects the idea that starting something new often comes with struggles, but with the right mindset and support, these difficulties can be navigated, leading to success.

初九 磐桓,利居貞,利建侯

Initial Nine: Resting at the rock, it is beneficial to remain steadfast, it is beneficial to establish a noble rank.

'Ban' is a large stone. 'Huan' borrows the character for 'round' and means to enclose. 'Jue Ding' refers to asking about a place of residence in divination. The Duke of Zhou, acting as regent for King Cheng, established feudal lords around the royal capital to surround and protect the Zhou royal court. This functioned as a defensive wall against external invasions. Just as having feudal states around the royal house is like having a protective wall, these lords safeguarded the royal family. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation similar to building a wall with large stones. Considering the storms that may come, it is wise to prepare in advance. The matter inquired about in divination will be favorable.

六二 屯如邅如,乘馬班如,匪寇婚媾,女子貞不字,十年乃字.

Six Second: The journey is like wandering, riding a horse, there is no robbery or marriage, the woman remains steadfast and does not write, it takes ten years to write.

The character "June" means to gather. "Junyeo" refers to many people gathering together, particularly those riding horses. "Jeon Heung" describes people who cannot advance but are turning in circles. "Banyan" suggests a circular or turning motion. "Remark" means "not," and "Hongu" refers to marriage, implying the image of people gathering not for plunder, but for marriage. The woman, who had not allowed marriage, now accepts after ten years. The person drawing this hexagram is in a situation where a long-awaited resolution is occurring. Difficult issues will now be resolved.

六三 卽鹿无虞,惟入于林中,君子幾不如舍,往吝.

Six Third: The deer is easily caught, only entering the forest, the gentleman should almost not settle, there is hardship in going.

The difficulty of pursuing the deer without assistance highlights a situation where, despite effort, success is elusive. This symbolizes a situation where persistence without the right support will only lead to failure. The advice is to abandon the pursuit, as continuing will lead to difficulty.

六四 乘馬班如,求婚媾,往吉,无不利

Six Fourth: Riding a horse and wandering, seeking marriage, going is auspicious, no disadvantage.

The term "Ban" refers to half, while "Seon" means to turn around. "Ban Ye" refers to the turning motion, and "Hon Gu" refers to marriage. The person is hesitant, fearing the marriage might not happen, but ultimately, the marriage will be successful and prosperous. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they are hesitating but will be successful in the end. The task will be prosperous and beneficial.

九五 乘馬班如,泣血漣如.

Nine Fifth: Riding a horse and wandering, crying blood, tears flowing.

Stockpiling rich meat ensures safety and order, but overreaching to seize the throne brings ruin. The task at hand will be auspicious if you act within your means, but chasing delusions of grandeur will lead to utter destruction.

上六 發蒙,利用刑人,用說桎梏,以往吝.

Top Six: Awakening ignorance, using punishment for people, using chains and shackles, going brings hardship.

Tears stream endlessly as one hesitates to ride forth, heartbroken over a failed marriage. The task at hand will leave you circling in sorrow, unable to proceed, and weeping will mark its unfulfilled end.