Hexagram 35 of 64
晉
Progress
Jìn
Upper Trigram
離
Fire
Clinging, Brilliant
Fire · Middle Daughter
Lower Trigram
坤
Earth
Receptive, Yielding
Ground · Mother
The Judgment
Progress. The powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day, he is granted audience three times.
The sun rises over the earth — effortless, brilliant, unmistakable progress. Recognition comes naturally to those who have cultivated genuine virtue. The prince is honored not because he demanded it but because his light is self-evident.
The Image
The sun rises over the earth — the image of Progress. Thus the superior person illuminates their bright virtue.
The sun brightens the entire earth simply by rising. The person of wisdom illuminates their own virtue — not hiding it through false modesty, but allowing it to shine naturally.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Progressing, but turned back. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake.
An initial setback in progress is not a sign to stop. Hold to your course with equanimity when recognition does not come immediately.
Line 2
Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Then one obtains great happiness from one's ancestress.
Progress accompanied by grief is still progress. Steadiness through sadness leads eventually to unexpected joy.
Line 3
All are in accord. Remorse disappears.
When the entire group moves together in harmony, personal regrets are absorbed in collective forward movement.
Line 4
Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger.
Sneaky, hoarding advancement — taking for oneself while the community remains stuck — is dangerous and ultimately self-defeating.
Line 5
Remorse disappears. Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything serves to further.
Equanimity toward results frees one to act with full commitment. Progress untainted by attachment brings the finest outcomes.
Line 6
Making progress with the horns is permissible only for the purpose of punishing one's own city. To be conscious of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation.
Using the full force of one's character must be directed inward toward self-correction, not outward in aggression.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.