Hexagram 35 晉 - JÌN / PROGRESS

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Trigrams

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• Above: Lí, the Clinging, Fire
• Below: Kūn, the Receptive, Earth

The hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth. It is therefore the image of rapid, easy progress, which simultaneously yields wider expansion and clarity.

The Judgment

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Progress: The powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers. He is received three times in a single day.

This describes an era when a powerful feudal prince assembles the other princes around the sovereign in obedience and peace. The sovereign rewards him lavishly and draws him into close proximity.

A dual concept underlies this situation. The actual impetus for progress comes from a man in a dependent position whom others look up to as an equal, making them follow him willingly. This leader possesses enough inner clarity not to abuse his vast influence, using it instead for the benefit of his ruler. The ruler, for his part, is free from all jealousy; he rewards the great man generously and keeps him permanently nearby. An enlightened ruler and an obedient servant are the essential conditions for great progress.

The Image

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The sun rises over the earth: The image of Progress. Thus the superior man himself makes his bright talents shine.

The light of the sun rising over the earth is inherently clear. Yet, the higher the sun climbs, the more it emerges from the misty vapors, radiating its original purity over an ever greater area. Similarly, human nature is fundamentally good, but it becomes clouded by contact with the earthly plane. It therefore requires purification so that it can shine in its original, inherent clarity.¹

The Individual Lines

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Six at the beginning means:

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Progressing, but rebuffed. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no trust, one should remain calm. No blame.

At a time when everything presses for progress, uncertainty still remains as to whether one might meet with a rebuff. In this case, one must simply continue along the right path, which ultimately brings good fortune. It may happen that no trust is extended. Under these circumstances, one should not try to force confidence at all costs; one must remain calm and cheerful, refusing to be provoked to anger. Thus, one remains free of blame.

Six in the second place means:

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Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. One then receives great happiness from one’s ancestress.

Progress is halted; one finds oneself prevented from connecting with the person in authority with whom one has a relationship. This brings sorrow. However, in such a situation, it is crucial to remain steadfast; then one will experience great happiness from that figure, delivered with maternal gentleness. This good fortune arrives and is well deserved, because the mutual affinity is not based on selfish or partisan motives, but on firm and correct principles.

Six in the third place means:

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All are in agreement. Remorse disappears.

One presses forward in community with others, and their shared agreement lifts one up. This removes any cause for regret, which might otherwise stem from lacking the independence to overcome hostile destiny entirely on one’s own.

Nine in the fourth place means:

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Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger.

In times of progress, it is easy for strong individuals in the wrong position to hoard possessions. However, such behavior shuns the light. Since times of progress always bring everything hidden into the open, persevering in such actions inevitably brings danger.

Six in the fifth place means:

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Remorse disappears. Take neither gain nor loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything is advantageous.

This depicts a situation where, in times of progress, one occupies a decisive position while remaining gentle and reserved. One might reproach oneself for not energetically exploiting the favor of the moment to secure every possible advantage. Yet, this remorse disappears. One must not take gain or loss to heart; these are secondary matters. It is far more important that one has secured opportunities for successful and beneficial action in this manner.

Nine at the top means:

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Progressing with horns is permissible only to discipline one’s own territory. Consciousness of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation.

Progressing with horns - meaning to proceed aggressively - should only be directed against the faults of one’s own people during such times. One must remain fully aware that such an aggressive approach always carries risk. By maintaining this awareness, one avoids the errors that otherwise threaten, and one’s intentions succeed. Conversely, a stubborn continuation of this overly aggressive attitude, particularly toward outsiders, will bring humiliation.

Reference links

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• Hexagram look-up table
• Advanced hexagram correspondence table