I Ching Hexagram 35 - Chin / Progress

• Above Li the Clinging, Fire
•  
• Below K'un the Receptive, Earth

Introduction

The hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth. It is therefore the symbol of rapid, easy progress, which at the same time means ever widening expansion and clarity.

See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.

Judgement

Progress. The powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day he is granted audience three times.

Judgement Commentary

As an example of progress, this pictures a time when a powerful feudal lord rallies the other lords around the sovereign and pledges fealty and peace. The sovereign rewards him richly and invites him to a closer intimacy. A twofold idea is set forth here. The actual effect of the progress emanates from a man who is in a dependent position and whom the others regard as their equal and are therefore willing to follow. This leader has enough clarity of vision not to abuse his great influence but to use it rather for the benefit of his ruler. His ruler in turn is free of all jealousy, showers presents on the great man, and invites him continually to his court. An enlightened ruler and an obedient servant--this is the condition on which great progress depends.

The Image

The sun rises over the earth: The image of Progress. Thus the superior man himself brightens his bright virtue.

Image Commentary

The light of the sun rises over the earth is by nature clear. The higher the sun rises, the more it emerges from the dark mists, spreading the pristine purity of its rays over an ever widening area. The real nature of man is likewise originally good, but it becomes clouded by contact with earthly things and therefore needs purification before it can shine forth in its native clarity.

The Lines

Six at the beginning means: Progressing, but turned back. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 21 - Shih Ho / Biting Through We want to progress but cannot do so. Good fortune here is gained from staying true to oneself your time will come. Legge's interpretation is "If trust be not reposed in him, let him maintain a large and generous mind, and there will be no error." The resultant hexagram 21, Biting Through suggests that there will be a positive outcome after the exertion of considerable effort and time.

Six in the second place means: Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Then one obtains great happiness from one's ancestress.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 64 - Wei Chi / Before Completion. We can and have advanced but still have not reached our goal. Relax! We will soon have access to those people who can help us get what we want. Legge is a little difficult on this line but he does say that "He receives at last this great blessing from the mild and compliant ruler." The resultant hexagram 64, Before Completion, warns us that the success we get here must be followed through right to the end or we may fall at the last hurdle.

Six in the third place means: All are in accord. Remorse disappears.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 56 - Lu / The Wanderer. The trust those around this line have in him enables him to get what he wants. Legge has this interpretation "A common trust and aim possess them". We need help from others to make any progress here. The resultant hexagram 56, The Wanderer, reminds us that we are in a lowly position and should not get above ourselves for fear of losing our good fortune.

Nine in the fourth place means: Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 23 - Po / Splitting Apart. The progress of the unworthy is the issue here. Legge uses similar language "...the appearance of advancing, but like a marmot." This means a stealthy surreptitious advance caused by awareness of ones essential weakness. This is of course not neccessary if one deserves the advances one is enjoying. Is it deserved, or not? The resultant hexagram 23, Splitting Apart, suggests not. The advance described in this line brings disaster to he who draws this line.

Six in the fifth place means: Remorse disappears. Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything serves to further.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 12 - P'i / Standstill (Stagnation). Advance that is earned and deserved brings good fortune. Though with the possibility of loss through a little self satisfaction, perhaps?. The ups and downs of life should not dissuade one from seeking to make progress anyway. Legge says of this line "Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune." The resultant hexagram 12, Standstill, is not so positive and suggests that we will be in a down period soon despite this lines good augury. Perhaps the warning above was not taken seriously enough.

Nine at the top means: Making progress with the horns is permissible only for the purpose of punishing one's own city. To be conscious of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 16 - Yu / Enthusiasm. This lines subject is warned not to be too vigorous in forging ahead. Legge makes it clear "...such over energetic behavior, especially toward persons with whom there is no close connection, will lead to humiliation." The resultant hexagram 16, Enthusiasm, counsels us remember that "...only such laws (that) are rooted in popular sentiment can be enforced."

See the James Legge - I Ching Hexagram 35 - Chin / Progress translation of this hexagram.