Hexagram 55 豐 - FÈNG / ABUNDANCE
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Trigrams#
- Above: Zhèn, the Arousing, Thunder
- Below: Lí, the Clinging, Fire
Zhèn represents movement, while Lí represents the flame, whose essential quality is clarity. Clarity within and movement without produce greatness and abundance. The hexagram depicts a period of high civilization and cultural peak. However, because this represents a maximum or zenith, the text already implies that this extraordinary state of abundance cannot be sustained indefinitely.
The Judgment#
Abundance has success. The king attains it. Be not sad; you must be like the sun at midday.
Bringing about a time of supreme greatness and abundance is not granted to every mortal. It requires a born ruler of humanity to achieve this, because his will is directed toward what is great. The era of such abundance is usually brief. A sage might therefore feel saddened when contemplating the inevitable decline that follows. Yet such sadness does not befit him. Only a leader who is inwardly free from anxiety and sorrow can usher in a time of abundance. He must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven.
The Image#
Both thunder and lightning come: the image of Abundance. Thus the superior man decides lawsuits and carries out punishments.
This hexagram shares a close relationship with Hexagram 21, Shì Kò (Biting Through), where thunder and lightning also appear together, but in the reverse order. While laws are established in that hexagram, here they are executed and applied. Clarity on the inside enables a thorough examination of the facts, while the powerful shock on the outside ensures the strict and precise execution of justice.
The Lines#
Nine at the beginning means:#
When one meets his destined lord, they may be together for ten days, and it is no mistake. To go brings recognition.
To bring about an era of abundance, clarity must join with energetic movement. When these two qualities meet in two different people, they are suited to one another. Even if they remain together for a full cycle during this time of abundance, it is not too long and constitutes no error. Therefore, one should go forward to act; it will bring recognition.
Six in the second place means:#
The curtain is of such abundance that the pole stars can be seen at noon. By going forward, one meets with mistrust and hate. If one awakens him through truth, good fortune comes.
It often happens that plots and party intrigues interpose themselves between a ruler who desires great things and the ideal person who could execute them. This causes a darkening effect, much like a solar eclipse. In such moments, instead of the sun, the northern stars become visible in the sky. The ruler is eclipsed by a faction that has usurped power. If one were to attempt energetic action during such a time, it would only arouse suspicion and envy, making any progress impossible. The proper course is to stand firmly in the inner power of truth. This truth is ultimately so potent that it exerts an invisible influence on the ruler, leading to a good outcome.
Nine in the third place means:#
The brushwood is of such abundance that the small stars can be seen at noon. He breaks his right arm. No blame.
This line depicts the progressive eclipse of the sun. At this point, totality is reached, so that even the smallest stars can be seen at noon.
Applied to social affairs, the prince is so completely eclipsed that even the most insignificant people can push themselves forward. Under these conditions, it is impossible for an able man, who could serve as the ruler’s right hand, to undertake anything. It is as if his arm were broken. He is not to blame, however, for being prevented from acting in this manner.
Nine in the fourth place means:#
The curtain is of such abundance that the pole stars can be seen at noon. He meets his equal lord. Good fortune!
Here the darkness is already diminishing, allowing complementary elements to find each other. In this case, the necessary balance must also be found: ready action must be joined with the requisite wisdom. Then everything will go well. This line represents the inverse complement of the first line. There, wisdom needed to be reinforced by energy; here, energy must be guided by wisdom.
Six in the fifth place means:#
Lines come, blessing and fame approach. Good fortune!
The ruling man is modest and therefore receptive to the counsel of capable people. As a result, wise advisors enter his circle and bring him the guiding principles for action. This brings blessing, fame, and good fortune to him and to all the people.
Six at the top means:#
His house is in abundance. He screens his family. He peers through the gate and notices no one anymore. For three years he sees nothing. Misfortune!
This line depicts a man who, through arrogance and self-will, achieves the exact opposite of what he desires. He seeks luxury and splendor for his dwelling, and insists on being absolute master in his own house. By doing so, he alienates his family, leaving him completely isolated in the end.
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