Home › I Ching · 64 hexagrams › Hexagram 51
James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Chen gives the intimation of ease and development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred li, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.
Chen is thunder repeated — the crash that terrifies all within a hundred li. The oracle promises ease and development to the one who holds the ladle of sacrificial spirits steady. When movement approaches, look out with apprehension, then smile and talk cheerfully: good fortune. Peril comes; let go the articles, ascend the lofty height, and in seven days what was lost is found. Distraught amid the startling movements, be roused to right action, and there is no mistake. Sink supinely in the mud, and you are swallowed. Going and coming in peril, perhaps no loss. At the summit, breathless dismay — action now is evil. But take precautions before the thunder reaches your person, and the error stays small.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, shows its subject, when the movement approaches, looking out and around with apprehension, and afterwards smiling and talking cheerfully. There will be good fortune.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows its subject, when the movement approaches, in a position of peril. He judges it better to let go the articles (in his possession), and to ascend a very lofty height. There is no occasion for him to pursue after (the things he has let go); in seven days he will find them.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows its subject distraught amid the startling movements going on. If those movements excite him to (right) action, there will be no mistake.
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject, amid the startling movements, supinely sinking (deeper) in the mud.
Line 5
The fifth line, divided, shows its subject going and coming amidst the startling movements (of the time), and always in peril; but perhaps he will not incur loss, and find business (which he can accomplish).
Line 6
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject, amidst the startling movements (of the time), in breathless dismay and looking round him with trembling apprehension. If he take action, there will be evil. If, while the startling movements have not reached his own person and his neighbourhood, (he were to take precautions), there would be no error, though his relatives might (still) speak against him.