Hexagram 19 臨 - Lín / Approach
䷒
Trigrams#
- Above: Kūn, the Receptive
- Below: Duì, the Joyous of the Lake
The Chinese word Lín has a range of meanings that cannot be exhausted by a single English term. The ancient commentaries on the Book of Changes give “becoming great” as its primary meaning. What becomes great are the two strong lines growing into the hexagram from below, expanding the light energy. From this arises the concept of approach, specifically the approach of what is strong and superior toward the lower elements. Ultimately, it signifies the condescension of a higher ruler toward the people, as well as setting to work on affairs. The hexagram is associated with the twelfth month (January-February), because after the winter solstice the light energy is already on the rise.
The Judgment#
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
The hexagram as a whole points to a time of hopeful progress. Spring approaches. Joy and flexibility bring the high and the low closer together, making success certain. However, resolute and persistent work is required to fully exploit the favor of the time. Furthermore, springtime does not last forever. In the eighth month, the aspects are reversed. Only two strong, light lines remain, and they are retreating rather than advancing (refer to the next hexagram). This turning point must be considered in time. Facing adversity before it manifests, or even before it begins to stir, allows one to master it completely.
The Image#
Earth above the lake: the image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without limits in his tolerance and protection of the people.
The earth borders the lake from above, symbolizing the approach and condescension of the higher toward the lower. The superior man’s behavior toward others flows from both parts of this image. Just as the lake exhibits inexhaustible depth, the sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to teach. And just as the earth is boundlessly wide, sustaining and nurturing all creatures, the sage sustains and nurtures all people, excluding no part of humanity through boundaries of any kind.
The Individual Lines#
Nine at the beginning means:#
Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The good begins to assert itself and finds a welcoming response in an influential position. This inspires capable individuals to step forward and join the upward movement. However, one must remain careful not to lose oneself in the current of the times, remaining steadfast in what is right: this brings good fortune.
Nine in the second place means:#
Joint approach. Good fortune! Everything is favorable.
When encouraged from above to advance, and possessing the inner strength and consistency that needs no warning, one achieves good fortune. The future needs to cause no anxiety. Though one knows that all earthly things are transitory and that every rise is followed by a fall, this universal destiny does not cause misgivings. Everything is favorable; hence, one will walk life’s paths swiftly, honestly, and boldly.
Six in the third place means:#
Comfortable approach. Nothing that would be favorable. If one comes to grieve over it, one becomes free of blame.
Progress is cheerful, and one gains power and influence. This carries the danger that, trusting in one’s position, one might grow comfortable and display a casual, negligent attitude when dealing with people. This is harmful under all circumstances. Yet, a shift in attitude remains possible. If one feels grief over this misguided posture, recognizing the responsibility inherent in an influential position, one frees oneself from error.
Six in the fourth place means:#
Complete approach. No blame.
While the three lower lines represent the rise to power and influence, the three upper lines show the attitude of those in higher positions toward the lower elements to whom they grant influence. Here, a completely open, unprejudiced approach of a superior toward a capable man is shown, drawing him into association regardless of class prejudice. This is highly favorable.
Six in the fifth place means:#
Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune!
A prince or anyone in a leading position must possess the wisdom to draw capable, expert people into his circle to manage affairs. His wisdom lies both in knowing how to choose the right individuals and in allowing those he has chosen to act freely without interfering in their work. Only through this restraint will he find the necessary people to meet all demands competently.
Six at the top means:#
Magnanimous approach. Good fortune. No blame.
A sage who has overcome the world and is inwardly finished with life may occasionally find himself in a position to re-enter the worldly sphere and approach others. This brings great good fortune to the people to whom he turns his teaching and help. For the sage himself, this magnanimous self-humbling carries no blame.
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