36/ 明夷 / ䷣ / Darkening of the light
the judgement
DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. In adversity
It furthers one to be persevering.
the image
The light has sunk into the earth:
The image of DARKENING OF THE LIGHT.
Thus does the superior man live with the great mass:
He veils his light, yet still shines.
the lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Darkening of the light during flight.
He lowers his wings.
The superior man does not eat for three days
On his wanderings.
But he has somewhere to go.
The host has occasion to gossip about him.
Six in the second place means:
Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh.
He gives aid with the strength of a horse.
Good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south.
Their great leader is captured.
One must not expect perseverance too soon.
Six in the fourth place means:
He penetrates the left side of the belly.
One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light,
And leaves gate and courtyard.
Six in the fifth place means:
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi.
Perseverance furthers.
Six at the top means:
Not light but darkness.
First he climbed up to heaven,
Then he plunged into the depths of the earth.
36/ 明夷/ ䷣ / The Ming Î Hexagram
Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn
Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.
Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu
The first NINE, undivided,
shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, flying, but with drooping wings.
When the superior man (is revolving) his going away, he may be for three days without eating. Wherever he goes,
the people there may speak (derisively of him).
The second SIX, undivided,
shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, wounded in the left thigh.
He saves himself by the strength of a (swift) horse; and is fortunate.
Thethird NINE, undivided,
shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, hunting in the south, and taking the
great chief (of the darkness). He should not be eager to make (all) correct (at once).
The fourth SIX, divided,
shows its subject (just) entered into the left side of the belly (of the dark land). (But) he is able to carry out
the mind appropriate (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, quitting the gate and courtyard (of the lord of darkness).
The fifth SIX, divided,
shows how the count of Kî fulfilled the condition indicated by Ming Î.
It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
The sixth SIX , divided,
shows the case where there is no light, but (only) obscurity. (Its subject) had
at first ascended to (the top of) the sky; his future shall be to go into the earth.
36/ 明夷 / ䷣ / Brilliance Injured
decision
Brilliance Injured
Favorable to be steadfast and upright in hardship
commentary on the symbol
Brightness has sunk under the Earth.
An image of Brilliance Injured.
In correspondence with this,
The superior person remains in harmony with the multitude
Covering his brilliance, yet his light is sitll shining.
yao text (the lines)
Initial Nine
Brilliance injured is flying,
Drooping its wings.
The sage evades,
Three days, ignores eating.
There is somewhere to go.
The host gossips.
Second Six
Dragon becoming visible in the field.
Injured in the left thigh.
Needs aid, a strong horse.
Good fortune.
Third Nine
Brilliance injured
Hungtin in the south
Captured the great chief.
Act not with undue haste;
Be steadfast and upright.
Fourth Nine
Probably leaping from an abyss.
No fault.
Fifth Six
Entering the left belly,
Knowing the heart of the injrued brilliance.
Quit the dwelling place.
Top Six
No brightness,
Only darkness.
At first, ascend to Heaven.
Afterward, fall to Earth.