Hexagram 50 鼎 - DING / THE CALDRON
䷱
Trigrams#
- Above: Lí, the Clinging, Fire
- Below: Xùn, the Gentle, Wind
The entire hexagram visually represents the image of the caldron: at the bottom are the legs, followed by the belly, then the ears or handles, and at the very top, the rings for carrying. The image of the caldron naturally suggests the idea of nourishment. Cast in bronze, the caldron was the vessel that held cooked food in the ancestral temple and at great feasts. From it, the host would ladle food into the bowls of the guests.
The Well also carries the secondary meaning of providing nourishment, but primarily for the common people. The Caldron, as a vessel of refined culture, suggests the fostering and nourishment of capable men, whose talents ultimately benefited the state government (see the four hexagrams concerning nourishment: Numbers 5, 27, 48, and 50).
This hexagram and “The Well” are the only two signs in the Book of Changes that represent concrete, man-made objects. Yet here, too, the concept has its abstract dimension. Below is Xùn, representing wood and wind; above is Lí, representing the flame. Thus, it depicts a flame kindled by wood and wind, which likewise suggests the preparation of food.
The Judgment#
The Caldron. Supreme good fortune. Success.
While The Well deals with the social foundation of society-which is like water nourishing the wood-this hexagram indicates the cultural superstructure of society. Here, it is the wood that serves as nourishment for the flame, representing the spiritual realm. Everything visible must ascend and extend into the invisible. Through this process, it receives its proper consecration and clarity, rooting itself firmly in the cosmic order.
Thus, culture is shown here reaching its summit in religion. The caldron is used for making sacrifices to God. The highest earthly values must be offered to the divine. However, the truly divine does not manifest apart from the human. The highest revelation of God appears through prophets and holy men. Honoring them is the true veneration of God. The will of God, revealed through them, must be accepted with humility; this brings an inner enlightenment and a true understanding of the world, leading to great good fortune and success.
The Image#
Fire over wood: the image of the Caldron. Thus the superior man consolidates his fate by making his position correct.
Wood serves as the destiny of the fire; as long as wood is present below, the fire burns above. It is the same with human life. Within every human being lies a destiny that lends strength to their existence. If one succeeds in assigning the right place to life and fate, one consolidates that destiny, bringing life into immediate harmony with it. These words contain hints regarding the nurturing of life, passed down from mouth to mouth through the secret teachings of Chinese yoga practice.
The Individual Lines#
Six at the beginning means:#
A caldron with upturned legs. Furthering to remove stagnating matter. One takes a concubine for the sake of her son. No blame.
Turning a caldron upside down before using it is of no negative consequence; on the contrary, this is how accumulated refuse is cleared out. A concubine holds a low social standing, but because she bears a son, she rises to a position of honor.
Both parables express the idea that in times of high culture, as indicated by this hexagram, anyone of good will can find a way to succeed. No matter how lowly a person’s starting point may be, if they are willing to purify themselves, they will be accepted. They will find themselves in a position where they can achieve fruitful results and, consequently, win recognition.
Nine in the second place means:#
There is food in the caldron. My comrades are envious, but they cannot harm me. Good fortune!
In times of high culture, everything depends on actual achievement. If a person relies solely on real accomplishments, they may encounter envy and ill will, but this presents no real danger. The more one limits oneself to positive achievements, the less envious people can do to cause harm.
Nine in the third place means:#
The handle of the caldron is altered. One is impeded in his way of life. The fat of the pheasant is not eaten. Once the rain falls, remorse is spent; Good fortune comes at last.
The handle is the part by which the caldron is lifted. If the handle is altered, the caldron cannot be lifted or used, and the fine food inside-like the rich fat of pheasants-regrettably serves to nourish no one.
This describes someone who, in a period of high culture, finds themselves in a position where they are ignored and unacknowledged by others. This constitutes a severe hindrance to their effectiveness. All their excellent qualities and intellectual gifts are wasted in this manner. However, one must simply ensure that they possess true spiritual wealth within. If so, the time will surely come when the obstacles dissolve and everything turns out well.
The release of tension is symbolized here, as elsewhere, by the falling of rain.
Nine in the fourth place means:#
The caldron breaks its legs. The prince’s meal is spilled, and his person is soiled. Misfortune!
A person faces a heavy, highly responsible task that they are not capable of fulfilling. Moreover, because they do not devote their full energy to this task but instead associate with inferior people, the execution fails completely. In doing so, they bring shame and disgrace upon themselves.
Confucius remarked on this: “Weak character coupled with an honored position, meager knowledge paired with large plans, small strength alongside heavy responsibility-these seldom escape misfortune.”
Six in the fifth place means:#
The caldron has yellow handles, golden carrying rings. Perseverance furthers.
This describes a person in a ruling position who is accessible and modest by nature. Through this inner attitude, they succeed in finding strong and capable helpers who complement them and assist in their work. It is essential not to let oneself be swayed from this stance, which requires continuous inner self-effacement, but to hold fast to it.
Nine at the top means:#
The caldron has jade rings. Great good fortune! Nothing that would not be furthering.
In the preceding line, the carrying rings were called golden to emphasize their strength. Here they are described as being made of jade. Jade is characterized by its ability to combine hardness with a mild, gentle luster. From the standpoint of the leader who is open to counsel, this advice acts as a powerful aid. Here, the counsel is described from the standpoint of the sage who gives it. In doing so, it will be gentle and refined, like noble jade. In this way, the work finds favor in the eyes of the divine, which grants great good fortune, and becomes acceptable to people, causing everything to go well.
Reference links#
There are no articles to list here yet.