I Ching Hexagram 43 - Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)

• Above Tui the Joyous, Lake
•  
• Below Ch'ien the Creative, Heaven

Introduction

This hexagram signifies on the one hand a break-through after a long accumulation of tension, as a swollen river breaks through its dikes, or in the manner of a cloudburst. On the other hand, applied to human conditions, it refers to the time when inferior people gradually begin to disappear. Their influence is on the wane; as a result of resolute action, a change in conditions occurs, a break-through. The hexagram is linked with the third month [April-May].

See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.

Judgement

Break-through. One must resolutely make the matter known at the court of the king. It must be announced truthfully. Danger. It is necessary to notify one's own city. It does not further to resort to arms. It furthers one to undertake something.

Judgement Commentary

Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side, therefore fight without quarter is necessary if the good is to prevail. In a resolute struggle of the good against evil, there are, however, definite rules that must not be disregarded, if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited. Nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons, and if we do it the favor of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion. Therefore it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil becomes dulled. For the same reasons we should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them, they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.

The Image

The lake has risen up to heaven: The image of Break-through. Thus the superior man dispenses riches downward and refrains from resting on his virtue.

Image Commentary

When the water of a lake has risen up to heaven, there is reason to fear a cloudburst. Taking this as a warning, the superior man forestalls a violent collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse. For all gathering is followed by dispersion. Therefore the superior man begins to distribute while he is accumulating. In the same way, in developing his character he takes care not to become hardened in obstinacy but to remain receptive to impressions by help of strict and continuous self-examination.

The Lines

Nine at the beginning means: Mighty in the forward-striding toes. When one goes and is not equal to the task one makes a mistake.

In times of resolute advance, the beginning is especially difficult. We feel inspired to press forward but resistance is still strong; therefore we ought to gauge our own strength and venture only so far as we can go with certainty of success. To plunge blindly ahead is wrong, because it is precisely at the beginning that an unexpected setback can have the most disastrous results.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 28 - Ta Kuo / Preponderance of the Great. The desire is there but the capability and opportunity is not. Cease and desist. Legge is a clear "The stage of the enterprise is too early, and the preparation too small to make victory certain." The resultant hexagram is 28, Preponderance of the Great, a situation of excess. In this case the excess is of pride and rashness. This excess will create a negative outcome if one persists with ones efforts.

Nine in the second place means: A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and at night. Fear nothing.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 49 - Ko / Revolution (Molting). In dangerous times it pays to plan ahead for the inevitable changes. A useful fear begat's caution and preparation so confidence can be gained in ones future. Legge has this line seeking help in this time of peril "...its subject full of apprehension and appealing for sympathy and help." The outcome is hexagram 49, Revolution (Molting), "...revolutions are extremely grave matters. They should be undertaken only under stress of direst necessity, when there is no other way out." Our actions will be successful if we exercise due care and attention.

Nine in the third place means: To be powerful in the cheekbones brings misfortune. The superior man is firmly resolved. He walks alone and is caught in the rain. He is bespattered and people murmur against him. No blame.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 58 - Tui / The Joyous, Lake. We will be misunderstood despite our good intentions. We must proceed on our way if such way is correct despite incurring the wrath of our friends and associates. In the end we will regain our fellows trust. Legge's interpretation is makes clear our situation "the superior man, bent on cutting off the criminal, will walk alone and encounter the rain, till he be hated by his proper associates as if he were contaminated" which is unfortunate. The outcome is shown in hexagram 58, The Joyous, after all is done we will enjoy good times again "The joyous mood is infectious and therefore brings success."

Nine in the fourth place means: There is no skin on his thighs and walking comes hard. If a man were to let himself be led like a sheep remorse would disappear. But if these words are heard they will not be believed.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 5 - Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment). Stubborn persistence in a futile endeavour to enforce our will is not smart. It causes pain and frustration. The answer here is to learn our lesson and change. Legge's colorful illustration says it all "If he could a act like. a sheep led after its companions, occasion for repentance would disappear. But though he hear these words, he will not believe them." The resultant hexagram 5, Waiting, seems to indicate that after much delay "If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune." Please note the 'If you are sincere'.

Nine in the fifth place means: In dealing with weeds firm resolution is necessary. Walking in the middle remains free of blame.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 34 - Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great. Persistent efforts are required for lasting change to be achieved. This disheartening fact but must be understood. If you continue your efforts you will be successful, otherwise failure. In Legge we have "...strenuous efforts must be made to prevent such an evil." The resultant hexagram 34, The Power of the Great, shows "a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power" so do not be discouraged, continue your efforts as they will be successful.

Six at the top means: No cry. In the end misfortune comes.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 1 - Ch'ien / The Creative. Do not count your chickens before they are hatched. Claiming victory and then going to sleep leads to failure. Legge indicates someone "...without any helpers on whom to call. His end will be evil" a different emphasis to Wilhelm but also leading to a bad outcome. This bad line leads to hexagram 1, The Creative, which promises sublime success, so this initial or apparent failure will ultimately be overcome to a good end. Just make sure you finish what you start.

See the James Legge - Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness) translation of this hexagram.