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Hexagram 34 · Ta Kwang — Great Power

Thunder above, Heaven below · Trigrams: Thunder / Heaven · Code 111100 · Book of Changes, Hexagram 34

The Judgment

James Legge, 1899 (public domain)

Ta Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

The Oracle's Counsel

Ta Kwang — thunder thundering in the height of heaven — is strength at its fullest, and the oracle sets the condition first: under such conditions it is advantageous to be firm and correct. Strength manifesting in the toes brings certain evil. Strength that keeps within rightness opens the fence and frees the horns; it is the strength in the wheel-spokes of a large waggon, bearing rather than butting. The ram that fights the fence ends entangled, unable either to retreat or to advance; he who realises the difficulty finds good fortune. The line that loses its ram-like strength in the ease of its position has no occasion for repentance. Power peaks; rightness must steer it.

The Six Lines

Initial Nine

Line 1

The first line, undivided, shows its subject manifesting his strength in his toes. But advance will lead to evil,—most certainly.

Second Nine

Line 2

The second line, undivided, shows that with firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Third Nine

Line 3

The third line, undivided, shows, in the case of a small man, one using all his strength; and in the case of a superior man, one whose rule is not to do so. Even with firm correctness the position would be perilous. (The exercise of strength in it might be compared to the case of) a ram butting against a fence, and getting his horns entangled.

Fourth Nine

Line 4

The fourth line, undivided, shows (a case in which) firm correctness leads to good fortune, and occasion for repentance disappears. (We see) the fence opened without the horns being entangled. The strength is like that in the wheel-spokes of a large waggon.

Fifth Six

Line 5

The fifth line, divided, shows one who loses his ram(-like strength) in the ease of his position, (But) there will be no occasion for repentance.

Topmost Six

Line 6

The sixth line, divided, shows (one who may be compared to) the ram butting against the fence, and unable either to retreat, or to advance as he would fain do. There will not be advantage in any respect; but if he realise the difficulty (of his position), there will be good fortune.

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