44. Kou / Coming to Meet

Top: Heaven | Bottom: Wind

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THE SUMMARY

This hexagram indicates a situation in which the principle of darkness, after having been

eliminated, furtively and unexpectedly obtrudes again from within and below. Of its own accord

the female principle comes to meet the male. It is an unfavorable and dangerous situation, and

we must understand and promptly prevent the possible consequences. The hexagram is linked

with the fifth month [June-July], because at the summer solstice the principle of darkness

gradually becomes ascendant again.

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THE WISDOM

The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl who lightly surrenders

herself and thus seizes power. This would not be possible if the strong and light-giving element

had not in turn come halfway. The inferior thing seems so harmless and inviting that a man

delights in it; it looks so small and weak that he imagines he may dally with it and come to no

harm. The inferior man rises only because the superior man does not regard him as dangerous

and so lends him power. If he were resisted from the fist, he could never gain influence. The time

of COMING TO MEET is important in still another way. Although as a general rule the weak

should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance. When

heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper; when a prince and his official

come to meet each other, the world is put in order. It is necessary for elements predestined to be

joined and mutually dependent to come to meet one another halfway. But the coming together

must be free of dishonest ulterior motives, otherwise harm will result.

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THE JUDGMENT

The maiden (Yin element) is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden.

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THE IMAGE

Under heaven, wind:​ Thus does the prince act when disseminating his commands and proclaiming

them to the four quarters of heaven.

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The situation here resembles that in hexagram 20, Contemplation. In the latter the wind blows over

the earth, here it blows under heaven; in both cases it goes everywhere. There the wind is on the

earth and symbolizes the ruler taking note of the conditions in his kingdom; here the wind blows from above and symbolizes the influence exercised by the ruler through his commands. Heaven is far

from the things of earth, but it sets them in motion by means of the wind. The ruler is far form his

people, but he sets them in motion by means of his commands and decrees.

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THE LINES

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Six at the beginning means:

It must be checked with a brake of bronze.

Perseverance brings good fortune.

If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune.

Even a lean pig has it in him to rage around.

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If an inferior element has wormed its way in, it must be energetically checked at once. By

consistently checking it, bad effects can be avoided. If it is allowed to take its course, misfortune

is bound to result; the insignificance of that which creeps in should not be a temptation to

underrate it. A pig that is still young and lean cannot rage around much, but after it has eaten its

fill and become strong, its true nature comes out if it has not previously been curbed.

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Nine in the second place means:

There is a fish in the tank. No blame. Does not further guests. The inferior element is not overcome

by violence but is kept under gentle control. Then nothing evil is to be feared. But care must be taken

not to let it come in contact with those further away, because once free it would unfold its evil aspects unchecked.

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Nine in the third place means:

There is no skin on his thighs, and walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, no great

mistake is made.

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There is a temptation to fall in with the evil element offering itself-a very dangerous situation.

Fortunately circumstances prevent this; one would like to do it, but cannot. This leads to painful

indecision in behavior. But if we gain clear insight into the danger of the situation, we shall at

least avoid more serious mistakes.

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Nine in the fourth place means:

No fish in the tank. This leads to misfortune.

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Insignificant people must be tolerated in order to keep them well disposed. Then we can make

use of them if we should need them. If we become alienated from them and do not meet them

halfway, they turn their backs on us and are not at our disposal when we need them. But this is

our own fault.

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Nine in the fifth place means:

A melon covered with willow leaves. Hidden lines. Then it drops down to one from heave.

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The melon, like the fish, is a symbol of the principle of darkness. It is sweet but spoils easily and

for this reason is protected with a cover of willow leaves. This is a situation in which a strong,

superior, well-poised man tolerates and protects the inferiors in his charge. He has the firm lines

of order and beauty within himself but he does not lay stress upon them. He does not bother his

subordinates with outward show or tiresome admonitions but leaves them quite free, putting his

trust in the transforming power of a strong and upright personality. And behold! Fate is

favorable. His inferiors respond to his influence and fall to his disposition like ripe fruit.

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Nine at the top means:

He comes to meet with his horns. Humiliation. No blame.

 

When a man has withdrawn from the world, its tumult often becomes unbearable to him. There

are many people who in a noble pride hold themselves aloof from all that is low and rebuff it

brusquely wherever it comes to meet them. Such persons are reproached for being proud and

distant, but since active duties no longer hold them to the world, this does not greatly matter.

They know how to bear the dislike of the masses with composure.