Hexagram 22 of 64
賁
Grace
Bì
Upper Trigram
艮
Mountain
Keeping Still, Resting
Mountain · Youngest Son
Lower Trigram
離
Fire
Clinging, Brilliant
Fire · Middle Daughter
The Judgment
Grace has success. In small matters it is favorable to undertake something.
Grace is the beauty of outer form. It is the light of fire at the foot of the mountain — illuminating but not penetrating to the depths. Grace adorns and clarifies, but it is secondary to substance. Use it in small matters; do not let it substitute for genuine character.
The Image
Fire at the foot of the mountain — the image of Grace. Thus the superior person proceeds when attending to the affairs of the world. But they dare not decide controversial issues in this way.
The light of form illuminates surface matters beautifully but cannot penetrate the core of difficult decisions. Reserve grace for appropriate occasions; weighty matters require substance.
The Six Lines
Line 1
He lends grace to his toes, leaves the carriage, and walks.
Choosing the simple, direct path over comfort or display. This unpretentious choice is itself an act of grace.
Line 2
Lends grace to the beard on his chin.
Adorning what naturally grows from within — not adding artificial decoration but enhancing what is genuinely there.
Line 3
Graceful and moist. Constant perseverance brings good fortune.
Grace at its fullest — supple, nourishing, alive. The effort to maintain this genuine beauty through perseverance is rewarded.
Line 4
Grace or simplicity? A white horse comes as if on wings. They are not robbers, they will woo at the right time.
The choice between elaborate adornment and pure simplicity. What approaches is genuine; trust that the right partner arrives.
Line 5
Grace in hills and gardens. The roll of silk is meager and small. Humiliation, but in the end good fortune.
Offering something modest but genuine is initially embarrassing compared to lavish displays — yet it is the honest gift that earns lasting regard.
Line 6
Simple grace. No blame.
At the highest level, grace returns to its source: white, simple, unadorned. True beauty needs no ornament.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.