I Ching Hexagram 26 - Ta Chu / The Taming Power of the Great
- Above Ken Keeping Still, Mountain
- Below Ch'ien the Creative, Heaven
Introduction
The Creative is tamed by Ken, Keeping Still. This produces great power, a situation in contrast to that of the ninth hexagram, Hsiao Chu, The Taming Power of the Small, in which the Creative is tamed by the Gentle alone. There one weak line must tame five strong lines, but here four strong lines are restrained by two weak lines; in addition to a minister, there is a prince, and the restraining power therefore is afar stronger. The hexagram has a threefold meaning, expressing different aspects of the concept 'Holding firm.' Heaven within the mountain gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding together; the trigram Ken which holds the trigram ch'ien still, gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding back; the third idea is that of holding firm in the sense of caring for and nourishing. This last is suggested by the fact that a strong line at the top, which is the ruler of the hexagram, is honored and tended as a sage. The third of these meanings also attaches specifically to this strong line at the top, which represents the sage.
See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.
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The Taming Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
Judgement Commentary
To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clear-headed man who is honored by the ruler. The trigram Ch'ein points to strong creative power; Ken indicates firmness and truth. Both point to light and clarity and to the daily renewal of character. Only through such daily self-renewal can a man continue at the height of his powers. Force of habit helps to keep order in quiet times; but in periods when there is a great storing up of energy, everything depends on the power of the personality. However, since the worthy are honored, as in the case of the strong personality entrusted with leadership by the ruler, it is an advantage not to eat at home but rather to earn one's bread by entering upon public office. Such a man is in harmony with heaven; therefore even great and difficult undertakings, such as crossing the great water, succeed.
The Image
Heaven within the mountain: The image of The Taming Power of the Great. Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past in order to strengthen his character thereby.
Image Commentary
Heaven within the mountain points to hidden treasures. In the words and deeds of the past there lies hidden a treasure that men may use to strengthen and elevate their own characters. The way to study the past is not to confine oneself to mere knowledge of history but, through application of this knowledge, to give actuality to the past.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means: Danger is at hand. It furthers one to desist.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 18 - Ku / Work on what has been spoiled (Decay). Advancing into danger is the act of a fool. Stop! Legge is equally insistent "It will be advantageous for him to stop his advance." The resultant hexagram 18 shows that the proper way to deal with any problems that need correcting.
Nine in the second place means: The axletrees are taken from the wagon.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 22 - Pi / Grace. In this case the opposing force is so obviously superior that one doesn't even try to advance. Good! In Legge's interpretation this lines subject "stops its advance of itself... having the wisdom to do so." The resultant hexagram 22 shows that the best we can expect to achieve in this situation is "success in small matters". Don't push your luck.
Nine in the third place means. A good horse that follows others. Awareness of danger with perseverance furthers. Practice chariot driving and armed defense daily. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 41 - Sun / Decrease. Now we can begin to overcome the restraints that have been hindering our advance. We still need to exercise care and attention to details but success is now possible. Legge says of this line "By firmness and caution, however, its subject will escape the peril, and the issue will be good." The resultant hexagram 41 predicts success through reduction or decrease. So somehow a reduction in some things leads to successful increase in others. I leave it to you to decide what this means in your situation.
Six in the fourth place means: The headboard of a young bull. Great good fortune.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 14 - Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure. here we are doing the restraining rather than being restrained. By use of forethought and appropriate action we protect ourselves from future problems. Taking precautions is always good, as Legge puts it. The resultant hexagram 14, Great Possessions show us that the outcome of these precautions is unambiguously good, creating "Supreme success."
Six in the fifth place means: The tusk of a gelded boar. Good fortune.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 9 - Hsiao Chu / The Taming Power of the Small. here the previous lines precautions are conceived and achieved in a more subtle, indirect way. Sometimes a less obvious form of restraint is the most effective. Morals and ethics restrain base human tenancies more effectively than harsh punishments. The resultant hexagram 9 shows us that these small subtle restraints will achieve the success we seek.
Nine at the top means: One attains the way of heaven. Success.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 11 - T'ai / Peace. This line achieves greatness what more needs saying? Legge says "...its subject as in command of the firmament of heaven". The resultant hexagram 11, peace reinforces the success augury of this line "Peace. The small departs, The great approaches. Good fortune. Success."
See the James Legge - I Ching Hexagram 26 - Ta Chu / The Taming Power of the Great translation of this hexagram.