Home › I Ching · 64 hexagrams › Hexagram 25
James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Wu Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.
Wu Wang — heaven moving above thunder — is the hexagram of innocence: action so true that no hidden purpose travels with it. I promise great progress and success to such a one; the only condition is firmness, and the warning is as plain: if your action is not correct, you fall into errors, and movement in any direction is barred. The lines repeat it. Reap without ploughing, and another’s gain turns into your neighbour’s calamity. The innocent fall ill and recover without medicine. Innocence that insists on acting is innocence that errs. So do not manufacture a plan today. Walk straight, let advance come of itself, and good fortune goes with you.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, shows its subject free from all insincerity. His advance will be accompanied with good fortune.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows one who reaps without having ploughed (that he might reap), and gathers the produce of his third year’s fields without having cultivated them the first year for that end. To such a one there will be advantage in whatever direction he may move.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows calamity happening to one who is free from insincerity;—as in the case of an ox that has been tied up. A passer by finds it (and carries it off), while the people in the neighbourhood have the calamity (of being accused and apprehended).
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, shows (a case) in which, if its subject can remain firm and correct, there will be no error.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows one who is free from insincerity, and yet has fallen ill. Let him not use medicine, and he will have occasion for joy (in his recovery).
Line 6
The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject free from insincerity, yet sure to fall into error, if he take action. (His action) will not be advantageous in any way.