Home › I Ching · 64 hexagrams › Hexagram 1
James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
Six unbroken lines: heaven itself, strength without pause. The oracle of Qian follows a dragon through its day — hidden in the deep, where moving would be a mistake; appearing in the field, to meet the great man; vigorous all day and watchful all night on dangerous ground, yet without blame; balanced at the leap's edge, free to rise or sink; on the wing in the sky, with the great man at hand — and past the summit, the single word: repentance. This is the book's first teaching about power: every height has its season, and the wise match their flight to it.
Line 1
In the first (or lowest) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.
Line 2
In the second line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
Line 3
In the third line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.
Line 4
In the fourth line, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.
Line 5
In the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
Line 6
In the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.
All lines changing
(The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number nine. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.