- Above K'an the abysmal, Water
- Below Li the Clinging, Fire
Introduction
This hexagram is the evolution of T'aiPeace (11) . The transition from confusion to order iscompleted, and everything is in its proper place even inparticulars. The strong lines are in the strong places, the weaklines in the weak places. This is a very favorable outlook, yet itgives reason for thought. For it is just when perfect equilibriumhas been reached that any movement may cause order to revert todisorder. The one strong line that has moved to the top, thuseffecting complete order in details, is followed by the otherlines. Each moving according to its nature, and thus suddenlythere arises again the hexagram P'i,Standstill (12).Hence the present hexagram indicates theconditions of a time of climax, which necessitate the utmostcaution.
See the James Leggetranslation of this hexagram.
<-PrevNext->Judgement
After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverancefurthers. At the beginning good fortune. At the end disorder.
Judgement Commentary
The transition from the old to the new time is alreadyaccomplished. In principle, everything stands systematized, and itsi only in regard to details that success is still to be achieved.In respect to this, however, we must be careful to maintain theright attitude. Everything proceeds as if of its own accord, andthis can all too easily tempt us to relax and let thing take theircourse without troubling over details. Such indifference is theroot of all evil. Symptoms of decay are bound to be the result.Here we have the rule indicating the usual course of history. Butthis rule is not an inescapable law. He who understands it is inposition to avoid its effects by dint of unremitting perseveranceand caution.
The Image
Water over fire: the image of the condition In After Completion.Thus the superior man takes thought of misfortune and arms himselfa*gainst it in advance.
Image Commentary
When water in a kettle hangs over fire, the two elements standin relation and thus generate energy (cf. the production ofsteam). But the resulting tension demands caution. If the waterboils over, the fire is extinguished an its energy is lost. If theheat is too great, the water evaporates into the air. Theseelements here brought in to relation and thus generating energyare by nature hostile to each other. Only the most extreme cautioncan prevent damage. In life too there are junctures when allforces are in balance and work in harmony, so that everythingseems to be in the best of order. In such times only the sagerecognizes the moments that bode danger and knows how to banish itby means of timely precautions.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means: He breaks his wheels. He gets histail in the water. No blame.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 39 -Chien / Obstruction. Once the goal has been achieved stop.Going too far is as bad as not getting there. This line isaffected by others going too far, it is not this lines fault buthe is slightly injured nonetheless. Legge's "...represents the timeimmediately after the successful achievement of the enterprise itdenotes; the time for resting and being quiet" not furtherpushing forward. The outcome hexagram is 39, Obstruction. This isan indication that we have made problems for ourselves "an individual is confronted by obstacles thatcannot be overcome directly. In such a situation it is wise topause in view of the danger and to retreat."
Six in the second place means: The woman loses the curtain ofher carriage. Do not run after it; On the seventh day you will getit.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 5 - Hsu /Waiting (Nourishment). This line does not get the recognitionit deserves and so is tempted to resort to unprincipled behaviourto get what it wants. Do not do this. If one has value it will berecognized eventually. Legge says this line need only wait and itwill attain its goals. "Thereis no occasion to go in pursuit of it (your goals). In seven daysshe will find it." The resultant hexagram 5, Waiting(Nourishment), further reinforces the idea of confident waiting "...the gift of food comes in its own time, and forthis one must wait" We will, eventually, get what we want.
Nine in the third place means: The Illustrious Ancestordisciplines the Devil's Country. After three years he conquers it.Inferior people must not be employed.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 3 - Chun/ Difficulty at the Beginning. Great enterprises require theappointment of capable people else success prove elusive. Thisline needs to consider carefully who it associates with. Leggesays this line "...suggestsfor its subject one undertaking a vigorous enterprise...small menshould not be employed in such enterprises." The outcomehexagram 3, Difficulty at the Beginning, shows that the outcomehere will most likely be good but "...it is veryimportant not to remain alone; in order to overcome the chaos heneeds helpers." Who will you employee now?
Six in the fourth place means: The finest clothes turn to rags.Be careful all day long.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 49 - Ko/ Revolution (Molting). Things are good, goals have beenreached but we must always be on our guard for the return of thebad. Forethought is forearmed. Legge uses this colorful analogy "...its subject with ragsprovided against any leak in his boat, and on his guard all daylong." Just don't go to far in this. The resultant hexagram49, Revolution, warns us that big changes are ahead. Is thisdespite out vigilance or because of it? The augury predicts "Revolution. On your own day you are believed.Supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Remorsedisappears."
Nine in the fifth place means: The neighbor in the east whoslaughters an ox does not attain as much real happiness as theneighbor in the west with his small offering.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 36 -Ming I / Darkening of the light. Insincerity rules here, merepomp and show boating. It will be better for this line to make areal effort based on sincerity rather than a pretend display basedon self interest. Legge puts it like this "The one presents valuableofferings, the other very poor ones. But the second excels insincerity, and his small offering is the more acceptable."The resultant hexagram 36, Darkening of the light, indicates thatthis line will not learn or change and so suffer the consequences."In adversity. It furthers one to bepersevering."
Six at the top means: He gets his head in the water. Danger.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 37 -Chia Jen / The Family (The Clan). Its not over till its over.If one climbs Everest and falls when 2 feet below the summit hasone climbed Everest? legge adds that "...His action is violent andperilous, like that one attempting to cross a ford, and beingplunged overhead into the water." Not a positive outcome atall. The resultant hexagram 37, The Family, counsels us to payattention to the details of our activities through to their end.
See the James Legge - I ChingHexagram 63 - Chi Chi / After Completion translation of thishexagram.
