Hexagram 36 of 64
明夷
Darkening of the Light
Míng Yí
Upper Trigram
坤
Earth
Receptive, Yielding
Ground · Mother
Lower Trigram
離
Fire
Clinging, Brilliant
Fire · Middle Daughter
The Judgment
Darkening of the Light. In adversity it furthers one to be persevering.
The light descends beneath the earth. Intelligence and virtue must be hidden when darkness prevails. This is not cowardice but wisdom — the light that does not conceal itself in hostile conditions is extinguished. Preserve the inner flame.
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth — the image of Darkening of the Light. Thus does the superior person live with the great mass of people: they veil their light, yet still shine.
The wise person in a dark age does not advertise their wisdom. They blend with the ordinary, protect their inner clarity, and continue to shine quietly within the darkness.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior person does not eat for three days on their wanderings. But they have somewhere to go. The host has occasion to gossip about them.
In retreat from darkness, one endures hardship and even misunderstanding. Press on; you have a direction.
Line 2
Darkening of the light injures them in the left thigh. They give aid with the strength of a horse. Good fortune.
Wounded but not stopped. Drawing on reserves of strength, one continues to serve even while suffering.
Line 3
Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon.
The source of the darkness is identified. But capturing it does not end the dark age immediately. Be patient.
Line 4
One penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light. One leaves the gate and the courtyard.
Reaching the core of the problem — and then leaving. Knowing when one's work is done and withdrawing from the dark situation.
Line 5
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance furthers.
Prince Chi feigned madness to survive a tyrant's court while preserving his integrity. In extreme darkness, this kind of concealment is both wise and honorable.
Line 6
Not light but darkness. First it climbed up to heaven; then plunged into the depths of the earth.
The darkness that rose to dominate has exhausted itself and collapses. The natural order reasserts itself.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.