Book of Changes

Chapter 2 Qian Gua First
Bottom dry and top dry
"Problem Solving"

The "Qian" hexagram is the first of the 64 hexagrams in the "Book of Changes", with "Heaven" and "Dragon" as the symbolic images of "Qian", revealing the characteristics of the "Yang" element and its development and changes. "Qian" is pure Yang, and "Kun" is pure Yin. The two are mutually inclusive and transform each other.When there is pure yin, there is yang, and when there is pure yang, there is yin. There is me in you, and you in me, and they will always exist as a "whole".The other hexagrams are the expansion of the two hexagrams "Qian" and "Kun", and are the "quantification" of "Yin" and "Yang" at each stage of development. This enables people to make corresponding choices.Therefore, we should not stick to literal symbols in our understanding.

The hexagrams of "Qian" are divided into two parts: "Jing" and "Zhuan". "Biography" explains "Jing", which is actually the learning experience of each school.

"original"

"Dry": Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen.

Ninth day: Qianlong, don't use it.

[-]: See the dragon in the field, and see the lord.

Nine Three: A gentleman works hard all day long, but is vigilant at night, fierce and blameless.

Nine Fourth: Leap into the abyss, no blame.

Ninety-five: Flying dragon is in the sky, good to see adults.

Upper Nine: Kanglong, regretful.

Use nine: see dragons without a leader, auspicious.

"Translation"

The meaning of the hexagram "Qian" includes the four aspects of Yuanshi, Prosperity, Harmony, and Zhenzheng (prompting things when they are "yangsheng", such as sunrise, seeds breaking the ground, studying, participating in work, etc.).

(筮得) The ninth line of the first day symbolizes that the dragon in the water is just born (legs and wings have not grown yet), and he cannot rush to "walk or fly".

In line [-], when the dragon reaches the ground, he should seek help from the "adult".

Nine and three lines, (the dragon may have achieved a little, but still wants to) like a "gentleman", always follow the sky as an example, be diligent and vigilant, so that even if you encounter danger, you will be safe.

In line ninety-four, the dragon can go in and out of the water on the ground without hindrance.

In the ninth and fifth lines, the dragon can fly into the sky (it is the harvest season, the supreme position, and the heyday), but it still cannot be separated from the help of "adults".

On the ninth line, the dragon flies too high (proud, no "adult" is willing to help him), and he has repentance.

Use Nine to fly with the dragons, but don't consider yourself the leader, good luck.

"original"

"Yuan" says: Dazai Qian "Yuan", the beginning of all things, is the unification of heaven.The cloud travels and the rain applies, and the product flows in shape.At the end of the Ming Dynasty, the six people were completed at one time, and they rode six dragons to control the sky at that time.The main road changes, and everyone lives.Baohe Yamato is "Lizhen".The first common thing to come out is Xianning in all countries.

"Translation"

"Zu Ci" said: Great!Qianyang vitality, everything in the world obtains the initial conditions for evolution from it, so it can herald all changes in nature.The flow of clouds, the fall of rain, and the reproduction of all things take shape from then on.It goes back and forth like the sun, always determining the six directions (values) of up, down, east, west, south, and north, and showing the growth links of the "six dragons" (from potential dragon to hyperactive dragon), which must be matched with The way of heaven is in harmony.This kind of change can maintain the harmony and coordination of all things, which is the best way.If every living thing respects this law in the process of growth, the world will be peaceful.

"original"

"Xiang" says: "Heaven moves vigorously, and a gentleman strives for self-improvement." "Don't use Qianlong", the sun is below. "See the dragon in the field", De Shipu also. "Working all day long", repeated. "Or jump in the abyss", enter "no blame". "The flying dragon is in the sky", and "adults" made it. "Kanglong has regrets", it won't last long. "Using nine", Tiande cannot be the first.

"Translation"

"Xiang Ci" says: The way of heaven runs round and round and never stops. A gentleman takes heaven as his law, overcomes himself, and always goes up.

(Ninth line of the first day) "The dragon in the water is just born, don't be in a hurry to 'fly'", because the yang energy is still very weak at this time.

(Ninth second line) "The dragon has reached the ground" and grows by "sunshine, rain and dew".

([-] lines) "A gentleman always takes the sky as an example" and learns the way of "repetition" to continuously accumulate skills.

(Ninth and fourth line) "can go in and out of the ground and water", which means that the foundation of "flying" has been laid, and (flying) will not cause any disaster.

(Ninth Five Lines) "The dragon flew up to the sky" with the help of "adults".

(Upper Nine Lines) "Long Gaogao has repentance" is the realization of the truth that fullness cannot last long.

"Have mastered the Qian hexagram" and understood Tiande, and you will no longer regard yourself as a leader.

"original"

"Wenyan" says: "Yuan" refers to goodness, "prosperity" refers to good meetings, "benefit" refers to harmony of righteousness, and "zhen" refers to doing things well.A gentleman's body and benevolence are enough to grow others, grand gatherings are enough to be courteous, benefits are enough to be harmonious, and chastity is enough to do things.A gentleman who practices these four virtues is called "Qian: Yuan, Heng, Li, and Zhen."

On the ninth day of the ninth day, it said: "Don't use Qianlong".What do you mean?The Master said: "The dragon is a person who is virtuous and reclusive. It is not easy to be, not to be in the world, not to be famous. There is no boredom in retiring from the world, and there is no boredom in not seeing what is. Joy is to do it, and worry is to disobey it. It is indeed irresistible. Dragon too."

Ninety-two said: "Seeing the dragon in the field is beneficial to seeing the adults." What does it mean?The Master said: "Dragon, the one who is virtuous and right. Faithful in mediocrity, cautious in deeds; honesty in leisure and evil, good in the world without cutting down, and transformation in virtue." "Yi" said: "Seeing the dragon in the field, benefiting See you, my lord." Junde also."

Jiusan said: "A gentleman works all day long, and the setting sun is as fierce as it is, and there is no blame." What does it mean?The Master said: "A gentleman cultivates morality. He is loyal and trustworthy, so he develops virtue; his rhetoric establishes his sincerity, so he lives in business. If you know the end, you can share it with words; if you know the end, you can share it with righteousness. This is the former residence. Don’t be arrogant when you are in a superior position, and don’t worry when you are in a subordinate position. Therefore, Gan Gan is alert because of the time, even if it is dangerous, there is no blame.”

Ninety-four said: "If you jump into the abyss, there is no blame." What does it mean?The Master said: "Up and down are impermanent, so it's not evil; advance and retreat are not permanent, so it's not out of the group. A gentleman pursues virtue and cultivates careers, and he wants to be timely, so there is no blame."

Ninth Five said: "The flying dragon is in the sky, and it is beneficial to see the adults." What does it mean?The Master said: "Sounds correspond to each other, and qi seeks each other. When water flows wet, fire dries up. Clouds follow dragons, wind follows tigers, and sages make all things. Those who are based on the sky will kiss each other, and those who are based on the earth will kiss each other. Then everyone will follow. Its kind."

Shangjiu said: "Kanglong has regrets." What do you mean?The Master said: "Great but no position, high but no people, sages are inferior and have no assistants, so there is regret when you move."

"Don't use Qianlong", Xia Ye. "Seeing the dragon in the field", Shi She also. "Working all day long" means doing things. "Or jump in the abyss", self-test. "The flying dragon is in the sky", Shangzhi also. "Kanglong has regrets", the disaster of poverty.Qianyuan "uses nine", and the world is governed.

"Don't use the hidden dragon", the yang energy is hidden. "Seeing the dragon in the field", the world is civilized. "Work hard all day long" and keep pace with the times. "Or jump in the abyss", the dry road is the revolution. "The flying dragon is in the sky" is the virtue of heaven. "Kanglong has regrets", keeping pace with the times.Qian Yuan's "use of nine" is the rule of heaven.

Those who are "Yuanheng" in "Qian" are also those who start to prosper. Those who are "lizhen" have temperament.It is great to be able to benefit the world with beauty and benefits without talking about benefits!Dazai is dry, vigorous and upright, pure and refined.The play of the six lines is to bypass the emotions.Time to ride on the six dragons to control the sky.When the clouds flow and the rain spreads, the world is at peace.

A gentleman's actions are based on virtue, and his actions can be seen every day. "Hidden" means words, hidden but not seen, deeds but not accomplished, so the gentleman "uses".A gentleman learns to gather, asks to distinguish, is lenient to live, and benevolent to act. "Yi" said: "Seeing the dragon in the field, benefiting the adult." Junde also.

Jiusanzhong is rigid but not in the middle, the upper part is not in the sky, and the lower part is not in the field, so "Qian Gan" is "warned" because of the time, although it is dangerous, "no blame".

The ninety-fourth level is rigid but not in the middle, the upper part is not in the sky, the lower part is not in the fields, and the middle is not in the people, so it is "or".Or those who doubt it, so "no blame".

The husband "adult" is in harmony with the heaven and the earth, in harmony with the sun and the moon, in harmony with the order of the four seasons, and in harmony with gods and ghosts.The innate is not against the sky, and the day after tomorrow is in accordance with the sky.It's not against the sky, but what about people?How about ghosts and gods?
"Kang" is also a word, knowing and then not retreating, knowing survival but not knowing perishing, knowing gain but not knowing loss.

It is only a saint!Those who know how to advance and retreat, survive and die without losing their integrity, are the only saints!
"Translation"

"Wen Yan" said: "Yuan" in the hexagram "Qian" is the head of all good; "Heng" is the collection of good things; "Li" is the harmony of morality;A gentleman can be a leader if he takes benevolence as the foundation of his life; he can meet the requirements of etiquette if he expresses his beauty more;The gentleman takes the four virtues as the standard of action, which is called: Qian: Yuanshi, Prosperity, Harmony, and Zhenzheng.

The ninth line of the first day said: "When a dragon in the water is born, don't be in a hurry to 'fly'".What does it mean?The Master said: "This is a metaphor for a person who has the virtue of a dragon and lives in seclusion. He does not change his morals because of the likes and dislikes of the world, and does not want a false name. He is willing to live in seclusion without feeling depressed, and without being appreciated. Do it when you are happy. , avoid if you are unhappy. Firm and unshakable, this is the lurking dragon."

The ninety-two line said: "When the dragon is on the ground, he should seek help from the 'adult'." What does this mean?The Master said: "The 'dragon' mentioned here refers to a person who is talented, virtuous and upright. His daily speech shows his credibility, his daily behavior shows his rigor, he always rejects evil in his heart and maintains honesty, he does good in the world without showing off , Virtue is broad and can touch people's hearts. "Book of Changes" says: When a dragon lands on the ground, he should seek help from an 'adult'. It refers to such a kind of gentleman's virtue. "

Nine third line said: Like a "gentleman", always follow the sky as an example, be diligent and vigilant, so that even if you encounter danger, you will be safe.What does it mean?The Master said: "The gentleman mentioned here is a person who can continuously improve his character and accumulate his own good deeds. He is loyal and trustworthy, so his character is constantly improving; he often considers his words, and his words and deeds are consistent, so he is in harmony with good deeds. Being together; he knows the highest state and strives to pursue it, you can discuss with him what you don't understand; he knows the final result and makes a choice in advance, and you can keep the behavior with him in line with morality. In this way, in a noble position without pride, Live in a humble position without worrying. If you work so hard and be vigilant at all times, even if you encounter danger, you will not suffer any damage."

The Ninety-Fourth Yao said, "The dragon can go in and out of the water on the ground." What does this mean?The Master said: "This is a metaphor for a person who is sometimes in a high position and sometimes falls into a trough. It is inherently changeable. It is not because he has done anything wrong. Sometimes he advances smoothly, and sometimes he retreats when he is not smooth. It is a change in time. It’s not a matter of him living in isolation. A gentleman improves his character, accumulates his good deeds, and keeps pace with the times, so there will be no disasters.”

According to the ninety-five lines, the dragon can fly into the sky, but it still cannot escape the help of the "adult".What does it mean?The Master said: "The tone is the same, and it is easy to resonate with each other; the smell is similar, and each other will attract each other. Water always flows to low-lying places, and fire always burns from dry things. Clouds always accompany dragons. The wind always accompanies the tiger. When the sage appears, all the people are close to him. This is like the living things based on the sky grow taller, and the living things based on the earth take root down. These are the principles that people form groups and things flock together.”

The upper nine lines said, "The dragon flies too high, and there is remorse." What does this mean?The master said: "This is a metaphor for a person with a high status but no foundation, a high status but no people, and truly talented people are far below, so don't come to help him. In this way, he can't do anything, so he has some regrets. "

(Summary 1) "The dragon in the water is just born, don't be in a hurry to 'fly'", it is because the ability is not enough. "The dragon has come to the earth" is the time to begin to come. "Always take the sky as an example", which means that you should demand your own actions in this way. "Going in and out of the ground and water" is testing one's abilities and exercising oneself in all aspects. "The dragon flies up to the sky" is a metaphor for a gentleman who attains the highest status and governs the country and the people. "The dragon flies too high, and there is remorse", which is the inevitable decline of prosperity.If you can grasp the change of "Yang", the world can be governed.

(Summary 2) "The dragon in the water is just born, don't be in a hurry to 'fly'", because the yang energy is still hidden below. "The dragon has reached the ground", which means that the yang energy is rising, the vegetation is lush, and the sky is bright. "Always take the sky as an example", pointing out that the yang energy is constantly rising, and all things are gradually growing, following the way of heaven, and working hard at the right time. "Going in and out of the ground and water", the yang energy has undergone a qualitative change. "The dragon flies into the sky" means the completion of a cycle. "The dragon flies too high, and there is repentance", which symbolizes that the yang energy rises to the limit, and things will be reversed when they are extreme.Mastering the changes of "Yang" actually complies with the laws of nature.

(In general) the so-called Yuan and Heng in the hexagram "Qian" refers to the creation of all things in the sky, and life begins to grow.The so-called benefit and chastity refer to the virtues of heaven (which treats all things equally and gives sunshine and rain).Doing for the sky, only geniuses have this virtue, giving benefits to the world without asking for anything in return, it is really great.Great God, strong, impartial, right way, pure and refined. The six lines of the hexagram "Qian" all show this spirit, which can communicate with the reason of everything between heaven and earth.Use the "six lines" to modify your behavior from time to time, and you can deal with any changes, just like the sun and rain falling from the sky, everywhere is peaceful and full of vitality.

A gentleman takes the achievement of virtue as the purpose of his behavior, and implements it in action every day. The meaning of "latent" means that the direction of development (talent) has not been clearly seen, and the effect of cultivation has not yet been achieved, so a gentleman "don't use it".

A gentleman accumulates knowledge through study, discerns things through discussion; tolerates everything around him with a generous attitude, and treats people and things with a benevolent heart. The Nine Second Line of the "Book of Changes" says that "when a dragon comes to the ground, he should seek the help of the 'adult'", which is such a kind of gentleman's virtue.

There is rigidity in the ninety-three line, but it is not in the middle, it does not touch the sky when it goes up, and it does not touch the ground when it goes down.Therefore, it is necessary to keep working hard and be vigilant at all times, so that even if there is danger, there will be no damage.

The ninety-fourth line is also strong in the middle, but not in the center, does not touch the sky, does not touch the ground, and does not lie in the crowd, so the words of the line point out that there are many possibilities of "maybe". "Maybe" means careful analysis, so there is no disaster.

The so-called "adult" in the ninety-five lines pursues conformity to the virtues of heaven, imitating the light of the sun and the moon shining everywhere, orderly like spring, summer, autumn and winter, and judging good and bad with the accuracy of ghosts and gods.When doing things without precedents, we should refer to the virtues of heaven; when doing things with precedents, we must also adapt to the current situation.Since it can cope with the changes of nature and morality, what about the changes of personnel?What's more, what about the changes of ghosts and gods?
The "Kang" in the upper nine lines means that one only knows how to attack but not retreat, only knows how to grow but not decline, only knows how to acquire but doesn't know how to give up.Knowing when to advance is to advance, when to retreat is to retreat, when to protect is to protect, when to abandon is to abandon, and if you can stick to the right way, you are of course a saint!
(End of this chapter)