Hexagram 26 大畜 - Dà Chù / The Taming Power of the Great
䷙
Trigrams#
- Above: Gèn, Keeping Still, Mountain
- Below: Qián, The Creative, Heaven
The Creative is tamed by Keeping Still. This produces a massive accumulation of power, contrasting sharply with Hexagram 9, where the Gentle alone restrains the Creative. While in that previous configuration a single weak line must tame five strong ones, here there are two weak lines - acting as both minister and prince. Consequently, their restraining capability is far more potent. This refers to the structural contrast with Hexagram 9 (The Taming Power of the Small), where a solitary yin line in the fourth position attempts to restrain the surrounding yang lines.
The hexagram carries a threefold conceptual framework: Heaven positioned within the Mountain yields the idea of holding together or accumulating; Gèn holding Qián still gives the idea of holding back or restraining; finally, because a strong line occupies the top position as the ruler of the sign, representing a sage who is honored and nurtured, it conveys the idea of nurturing or cultivating. This third aspect of cultivation and nourishment focuses specifically on the top strong line, which embodies the sage.
The Judgment#
The Taming Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
To restrain and accumulate massive creative forces, as depicted here, requires a strong, clear-headed individual who commands the respect of the ruler. Qián signifies immense creative power, while Gèn points to firmness and truth; both indicate light, clarity, and the daily renewal of character. Only through such continuous self-renewal does one remain at the peak of their power.
In tranquil times, the force of habit helps maintain order, but during great eras of concentrated energy, everything depends on the power of personality. Furthermore, because the worthy are honored - as demonstrated by the strong personality entrusted with leadership by the ruler - it is advantageous not to eat at home, but rather to earn one’s bread in public life by accepting office. One is in harmony with heaven; therefore, even difficult and hazardous undertakings, such as crossing the great water, will succeed.
The Image#
Heaven within the mountain: The image of the Taming Power of the Great. Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many words of antiquity and deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character.
Heaven within the mountain points to hidden treasures. Similarly, a treasure lies buried within the words and deeds of the past, which can be used to fortify and elevate one’s own character. This represents the true method of study: rather than restricting oneself to mere historical knowledge, one must continuously make history contemporary by applying its lessons.
The Individual Lines#
Nine at the beginning means:#
Danger is at hand. It furthers one to desist.
A vigorous advance is desired, but circumstances present an obstacle. One finds oneself held back. Attempting to force progress under these conditions would lead to misfortune. It is therefore better to compose oneself and wait until an outlet opens for the accumulated energies.
Nine in the second place means:#
The axle-braces are removed from the wagon.
Here, advancement is blocked, similar to the situation in The Taming Power of the Small (Hexagram 9, Nine in the third place). However, while the obstructing force there is minor, causing a conflict between the forward urge and the restraint - resulting in the wheel-spokes snapping - the restraining force here is absolutely superior. Consequently, no struggle takes place. One submits and removes the axle-braces from the wagon, choosing to wait. Through this restraint, potential energy accumulates for a later, energetic advance.
Nine in the third place means:#
A good horse that follows others. Awareness of danger and perseverance further. Practice chariot-driving and armed defense daily. It furthers one to have a destination.
The path opens; the obstruction has ceased. One stands in relation to a strong will moving in the same direction. Progress is achieved like a good horse following another. Yet danger still threatens, and one must remain conscious of it to avoid losing internal firmness. Thus, one must train both in what leads forward and in what protects against unexpected attacks. It is beneficial to have a clear goal toward which to strive.
Six in the fourth place means:#
The headboard of a young bull. Supreme good fortune!
This line and the following one are the elements that restrain the forward-surging lines below. Before a bull’s horns grow, a protective headboard is attached to its forehead. This ensures that once the horns develop, they can no longer inflict harm. Dealing with wild energy before it manifests is an exceptional method of restraint, yielding easy and magnificent success.
Six in the fifth place means:#
The tusk of a gelded boar. Good fortune!
Here, the restraint of the impetuous forward drive is achieved indirectly. A boar’s tusk is inherently dangerous, but if the animal’s disposition is altered, the danger disappears. Similarly, one should not combat wildness in people directly, but rather dismantle it by removing its underlying roots.
Nine at the top means:#
One attains the way of heaven. Success.
The period of obstruction has passed. The energy accumulated over long containment breaks through, achieving immense success. This represents a sage who is honored by the ruler, and whose principles now prevail to shape the world.
Reference links#
There are no articles to list here yet.