Xun
Gentle Penetration
When you receive Hexagram 57, Xun, the I Ching turns your attention to gentle penetration. Xun. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
Xun. Gentle penetration brings small progress. It furthers to move in any direction. It furthers to see the great one.
Classical (Legge)Sun intimates that (under the conditions which it denotes) there will be some little attainment and progress. There will be advantage in movement onward in whatever direction. It will be advantageous (also) to see the great man.
The Image
Wind following wind. Xun. The centered one repeats the command and sees the work carried through.
Classical (Legge)(Two trigrams representing) wind, following each other, form Sun. The superior man, in accordance with this, reiterates his orders, and secures the practice of his affairs.
The Changing Lines
Advancing, retreating. The firm and correct of a soldier serves well here.
Classical (Legge)(The subject) now advances, now recedes. It would be advantageous for him to have the firm correctness of a brave soldier.
Penetration beneath the couch. Diviners and exorcists are called in confusion. Good fortune. No error.
Classical (Legge)The penetration is (like that of) one lying under a couch, and employing diviners and exorcists in a way bordering on confusion. There will be good fortune and no error.
Repeated, excessive penetration. There will be regret.
Classical (Legge)He shows repeated and (thus excessive) penetration. There will be occasion for regret.
Occasion for regret has passed. He takes game for its threefold use in his hunting.
Classical (Legge)Occasion for repentance has passed (away). He takes game for its threefold use in his hunting.
With firm and correct, good fortune. Regret disappears, and all movements are favorable. There may have been no good beginning, but there will be a good end. Three days before the change, three days after. Good fortune.
Classical (Legge)With firm correctness there will be good fortune. Occasion for repentance will disappear, and all his movements will be advantageous. There may have been no (good) beginning, but there will be a (good) end. Three days before making changes, and three days after, (he will be fortunate). There will be good fortune.
Penetration beneath a couch. He has lost his property and means of livelihood. Even with firm and correct, there will be misfortune.
Classical (Legge)The penetration is beneath a couch. He has lost his property and means of livelihood. However firm and correct he may be, there will be evil.
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