Hexagram 64 未濟 - WEI JI / BEFORE COMPLETION
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Trigrams#
- Above: Li, the Clinging, Fire
- Below: Kan, the Abysmal, Water
This hexagram indicates a time when the transition from disorder to order is not yet complete. The turning point is already prepared, as all the lines of the upper trigram relate to those of the lower trigram. However, they are not yet in their proper places. While the preceding hexagram resembles autumn, which forms the transition from summer to winter, this hexagram is like spring, leading from the stagnation of winter into the fertile season of summer. The Book of Changes concludes with this hopeful outlook.
The Judgment#
Before Completion. Success. But if the little fox, when he has almost completed the crossing, gets his tail in the water, there is nothing that would be advantageous.
The conditions are difficult. The task is great and full of responsibility. It is nothing less than leading the world back from confusion to order. Yet, it is a task that promises success, because there is a goal available that can unite the divergent forces. However, one must proceed softly and cautiously at first. One must proceed like an old fox walking on ice. In China, the caution of the fox walking on ice is proverbial. He constantly listens for the cracking and carefully, providently selects the safest spots. A young fox, not yet knowing this caution, goes boldly ahead, and it happens that he falls in just when he is almost across the water, getting his tail wet. Then, of course, the entire effort was in vain. Accordingly, in times before completion, deliberation and caution are the fundamental conditions for success.
The Image#
Fire is above Water: The image of the condition before transition. Thus the superior man is careful in differentiating things, so that each finds its proper place.
When fire, which naturally presses upward, is above, and water, whose movement is downward, is below, their effects diverge and remain without relation. If one wishes to achieve an effect, one must first investigate the nature of the forces involved and find their proper place. By putting these forces to work in the right position, they achieve the desired effect, and completion is attained. To handle external forces correctly, however, it is essential above all that one occupies the right standpoint oneself. Only from there can one act effectively.
The Individual Lines#
Six at the beginning means:#
He gets his tail in the water. Humiliating.
In times of disorder, it is tempting to press forward as quickly as possible to achieve something visible. But this enthusiasm leads to nothing but failure and humiliation as long as the time to act has not yet arrived. In such a period, it is wise to spare oneself the disgrace of failure through restraint. (Note the difference between this situation and the first line of the preceding hexagram.)
Nine in the second place means:#
He brakes his wheels. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Here, too, the time for action has not yet come. But the required patience must not be a lazy waiting, just living from day to day. That would lead to no permanent success. Instead, one must develop the inner strength that enables forward progress. One must, so to speak, have a carriage ready to make the transition, but must still brake its wheels. Patience in the highest sense is restrained strength. Therefore, one must not fall asleep or lose sight of the goal. If one remains strong and steadfast in purpose, everything turns out well in the end.
Six in the third place means:#
Before completion, an attack brings misfortune. It is advantageous to cross the great water.
The time of transition has arrived, but one lacks the strength to complete it. Attempting to force it would be disastrous, precisely because a collapse would then be inevitable. What should be done instead? One must create a new situation, enlist the abilities of capable helpers, and take the decisive step forward together with them - crossing the great water. Then completion will become possible.
Nine in the fourth place means:#
Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. Shock to discipline the devil’s land. For three years, rewards are given with great realms.
Now is the time of battle. The transition must be completed. One must make oneself completely strong in purpose; this brings good fortune. All doubts that may arise during such serious times of struggle must be silenced. It is a matter of a fierce battle to shock and discipline the devil’s land, the powers of decay. But the struggle also has its reward. Now is the time to lay the foundations of power and dominion for the future.
Six in the fifth place means:#
Perseverance brings good fortune. No remorse. The light of the superior man is true. Good fortune!
The victory is won. The power of steadfastness has not been put to shame. Everything has gone well. All doubts are overcome, and success has justified the deed. The light of a noble personality shines forth anew, prevailing among people who believe in it and gather around it. The new era, and with it good fortune, has arrived. Just as the sun shines twice as beautifully after the rain, or as a forest greens with renewed freshness from the charred ruins after a fire, the new era stands out all the more brilliantly from the misery of the old.
Nine at the top means:#
In true confidence one drinks wine. No blame. But if one gets his head wet, he loses it in truth.
Before completion, on the border of the new era, one is together with one’s own in full mutual confidence, spending the time of waiting over wine. Since the new era is already directly at the door, this is no blame. One must only mind the right measure. If one pours wine over his own head in sheer high spirits, he loses the favorable position through intemperance.
Note: Just as the hexagram “After Completion” represents the gradual transition from a time of ascent across the cultural peak to a period of stagnation, the hexagram “Before Completion” represents the transition from chaos to order. This sign stands at the end of the Book of Changes. It points out that within every end lies a new beginning. Thus, it gives hope to humanity. The Book of Changes is a book of the future.
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