Hexagram 11 of 64
泰
Peace
Tài
Upper Trigram
坤
Earth
Receptive, Yielding
Ground · Mother
Lower Trigram
乾
Heaven
Creative, Strong
Sky · Father
The Judgment
Peace. The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune and success.
Heaven and Earth are in harmonious exchange — the creative ascending meets the receptive descending. This is a time of natural flourishing where good things advance and petty things recede.
The Image
Heaven and earth unite — the image of Peace. Thus the ruler divides and completes the course of heaven and earth, furthers and regulates the gifts of heaven and earth, and thereby assists the people.
In times of peace, the wise leader does not rest but actively works to sustain conditions for flourishing — distributing resources wisely, working with natural cycles, serving the people.
The Six Lines
Line 1
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to their kind. Undertakings bring good fortune.
Good people in good times form networks of support. Pull one forward and others follow. Collective progress is natural now.
Line 2
Bearing with the uncultured in gentleness, fording the river with resolution, not neglecting what is distant, not regarding one's companions: thus one may manage to walk in the middle.
True peace requires holding opposites together with balanced, inclusive wisdom. Bear difficulty gracefully; do not favor the near over the far.
Line 3
No plain not followed by a slope. No going not followed by a return. Persevering through hardship brings no blame. Do not complain about this truth; enjoy the good fortune you still possess.
Even in good times, cycles turn. Wisdom acknowledges impermanence without anxiety and maintains gratitude.
Line 4
Fluttering down, not boasting of their wealth, they come together with their neighbor, not full of themselves, simply sincere.
In good fortune, the wise person remains modest and draws others close through genuine simplicity.
Line 5
The sovereign gives their daughter in marriage. This brings blessing and supreme good fortune.
A great act of union and generosity by one in high position establishes harmony for an entire generation.
Line 6
The wall falls back into the moat. Use no army now. Make your commands known within your own town. Perseverance brings humiliation.
Peace has deteriorated. This is not a moment for aggression but for tending to what remains within your sphere of influence.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.