DELIVERANCE
40. Hsieh / Deliverance
Top: thunder | Bottom: Water
THE SUMMARY
Here the movement goes out of the sphere of danger. The obstacle has been removed, the
difficulties are being resolved. Deliverance is not yet achieved; it is just in its beginning, and the
hexagram represents its various stages.
WISDOM
This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we
ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible; this is the meaning of
"the southwest." These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves
atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome
pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however: in such
times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary.
Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If
there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as
possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no retardations occur.
THE JUDGEMENT
THE IMAGE
Thunder and rain set in: thus the superior man pardons mistakes and forgives misdeeds.
A thunderstorm has the effect of clearing the air; the superior man produces a similar effect when
dealing with mistakes and sins of men that induce a condition of tension. Through clarity he
brings deliverance. However, when failings come to light, he does not dwell on them; he simply
passes over mistakes, the unintentional transgressions, just as thunder dies away. He forgives
misdeeds, the intentional transgressions, just as water washes everything clean.
THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
Without blame.
In keeping with the situation, few words are needed. The hindrance is past, deliverance has
come. One recuperates in peace and keeps still. This is the right thing to do in times when
difficulties have been overcome.
Nine in the second place means:
One kills three foxes in the field and receives a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The image is taken from the hunt. The hunter catches three cunning foxes and receives a yellow
arrow as a reward. The obstacles in public life are the designing foxes who try to influence the
ruler through flattery. They must be removed before there can be any deliverance. But the
struggle must not be carried on with the wrong weapons. The yellow color points to measure and
mean in proceeding against the enemy; the arrow signifies the straight course. If one devotes
himself wholeheartedly to the task of deliverance, he develops so much inner strength from his
rectitude that it acts as a weapon against all that is false and low.
Six in the third place means:
If a man carries a burden on his back and nonetheless rides in a carriage. He thereby encourages robbers to draw near. Perseverance leads to humiliation.
This refers to a man who has come out of needy circumstances in to comfort and freedom from
want. If now, in the manner of an upstart, he tries to take his ease in comfortable surroundings
that do not suit his nature, he thereby attracts robbers. If he goes on thus he is sure to bring
disgrace upon himself. Confucius says about this line: "Carrying a burden on the back is the
business of common man; a carriage is the appurtenance of a man of rank. Now, when a common
man uses the appurtenance of man of rank, robbers plot to take it away from him. If a man is insolent toward those above him and hard toward those below him, robbers plot to attack him. Carelessness
in guarding things tempts thieves to steal. Sumptuous ornaments worn by a maiden are an
enticement to rob her of her virtue."
Nine in the fourth place means:
Deliver yourself from your great toe then the companion comes, and you can trust him.
In times of standstill it will happen that inferior people attach themselves to a superior man, and
through force of daily habit they may grow very close to him and become indispensable, just as
the big toe is indispensable to the foot because it makes walking easier. But when the time of
deliverance draws near, with its call to deeds, a man must free himself from such chance
acquaintances with whim he has no inner connection. For otherwise the friends who share his
views, on whom he could really rely and together with whom he could accomplish something,
mistrust him and stay away.
Six in the fifth place means:
If only the superior man can deliver himself, it brings good fortune. Thus he proves to inferior men
that he is in earnest.
Times of deliverance demand inner resolve. Inferior people cannot be driven off by prohibitions
or any external means. If one desires to be rid of them, he must first break completely with them
in his own mind; they will see for themselves that he is in earnest and will withdraw.
Six at the top means:
The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall. He kills it. Everything serves to further.
The hawk on a high wall is the symbol of a powerful inferior in a high position who is hindering
the deliverance. He withstands the force of inner influences, because he is hardened in his
wickedness. He must be forcibly removed, and this requires appropriate means. Confucius says
about this line: "The hawk is the object of the hunt; bow and arrow are the tools and means. The marksman is man (who must make proper use of the means to his end). The superior man contains
the means in his own person. He bides his time and then acts. Why then should not everything go
well? He acts and is free. Therefore all he has to do is to go forth, and he takes his quarry. This is
how a man fares who acts after he has made ready the means."