Hexagram 19 of 64
臨
Approach
Lín
Upper Trigram
坤
Earth
Receptive, Yielding
Ground · Mother
Lower Trigram
兌
Lake
Joyous, Open
Lake · Youngest Daughter
The Judgment
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
The great is approaching — the yang forces advance and grow. This is a time of increasing influence and opportunity. But the reminder about the eighth month cautions: the tide turns. Do not squander this favorable time.
The Image
The earth above the lake — the image of Approach. Thus the superior person is inexhaustible in their will to teach, and without limits in their tolerance and protection of the people.
The earth approaches the lake, embracing and containing it. The superior person approaches those in their care with the same boundlessness — endless patience in teaching, endless protection.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Moving forward together with sincere companions and righteous purpose — this combination opens all doors.
Line 2
Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.
When the alignment of inner and outer is complete, every action taken becomes fortunate.
Line 3
Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve over it, one becomes free of blame.
Approaching a comfortable situation without reflection or effort is a trap. Self-examination rescues one from complacency.
Line 4
Complete approach. No blame.
Meeting others fully and openly, without reservation or agenda, creates conditions for genuine connection.
Line 5
Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune.
The greatest leaders approach those in their care with true wisdom — neither condescending nor distant, but genuinely engaged.
Line 6
Greathearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.
Approaching with a generous, magnanimous spirit — not calculating what one will gain — brings the highest benefit.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.