Xiao Xu
Small Restraint
When you receive Hexagram 9, Xiao Xu, the I Ching turns your attention to small restraint. Small restraint brings progress and success. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
Small restraint brings progress and success. Dense clouds gather, yet no rain falls from the western borders.
Classical (Legge)Hsiao Khu indicates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. (We see) dense clouds, but no rain (coming) from our borders in the west.
The Image
Wind moves beneath the sky. Xiao Xu. The centered one adorns the outward expression of virtue.
Classical (Legge)(The trigram representing) the sky, and that representing wind moving below it, form Hsiao Khu. The superior man, in accordance with this, adorns the outward manifestation of his virtue.
The Changing Lines
Returning to one's own path. No error in this. Good fortune.
Classical (Legge)He returns and pursues his own path. What error should there be in this? There will be good fortune.
Drawn back to the path. Good fortune.
Classical (Legge)He has returned (to his course). There will be good fortune.
A carriage with its axle strap removed. A husband and wife who look away from each other.
Classical (Legge)(Suggesting the idea of) a carriage, the strap beneath which has been removed, or of a husband and wife looking on each other with averted eyes.
Sincerity prevails. The danger of bloodshed is averted, apprehension dismissed. No error.
Classical (Legge)He is possessed of sincerity. The danger of bloodshed is thereby averted, and his (ground for) apprehension dismissed. There will be no error.
Sincerity draws others into union. Rich in resources, one employs neighbors in the same cause.
Classical (Legge)He is possessed of sincerity, and draws others to unite with him. Rich in resources, he employs his neighbours (in the same cause with himself).
The rain comes at last, and rest is found. Virtue reaches fullness. A wife persisting so restlessly courts peril. The moon is nearly full. If the centered one pushes further now, misfortune follows.
Classical (Legge)The rain has come, and the (subject) is in the (proper) resting place. He (still) values the full (complement of) virtue. (But) a wife (exercising such a restless) persistence (would be) in a position of peril. The moon is nearly full. If the superior man prosecutes his measures, there will be evil.
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