57. Sun / The Gentle 

Top: Wood | Bottom: Wood

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THE SUMMARY

Sun is one of the eight doubled trigrams. It is the eldest daughter and symbolizes wind or wood;

it has for its attribute gentleness, which nonetheless penetrates like the wind or like growing

wood with its roots. The dark principle, in itself rigid and immovable, is dissolved by the

penetrating light principle, to which it subordinates itself in gentleness. In nature, it is the wind

that disperses the gathered clouds, leaving the sky clear and serene. In human life it is

penetrating clarity of judgment that thwarts all dark hidden motives. In the life of the community

it is the powerful influence of a great personality that uncovers and breaks up those intrigues

which shun the light of day.

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THE WISDOM

Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of

violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kind are less striking to the eye than

those won by surprise attack, but they are more enduring and more complete. If one would

produce such effects, one must have a clearly defined goal, for only when the penetrating

influence works always in the same direction can the object be attained. Small strength can

achieve its purpose only by subordinating itself to an eminent man who is capable of creating

order.

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THE JUDGMENT

Success through what is small. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. It furthers one to see the

great man.

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THE IMAGE

Winds following one upon the other: Thus the superior man spreads his commands abroad and

carries out his undertakings.

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The penetrating quality of the wind depends upon its ceaselessness. This is what makes it so

powerful; time is its instrument. In the same way the ruler's thought should penetrate the soul of

the people. This too requires a lasting influence brought about by enlightenment and command.

Only when the command has been assimilated by the people is action in accordance with it

possible. Action without preparation of the ground only frightens and repels.

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THE LINES

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Six at the beginning means:

In advancing and in retreating, the perseverance of a warrior furthers.

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In born gentleness is often carried to the point of indecisiveness. One does not feel strong enough

to advance resolutely. A thousand doubts crop up; one is, however, not minded to withdraw but

drifts indecisively to and fro. In such a situation, a military decisiveness is the proper thing, so

that one resolutely does what order demands. Resolute discipline is far better than irresolute

license.

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Nine in the second place means:

Penetration under the bed. Priests and magicians are used in great number. Good fortune. No blame.

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At times one has to deal with hidden enemies, intangible influences that slink into dark corners

and from this hiding affect people by suggestion. In instances like this, it is necessary to trace

these things back to the most secret recesses, in order to determine the nature of the influences to

be dealt with. This is the task of the priests; removing the influences is the task of the magicians.

The very anonymity of such plotting requires an especially vigorous and indefatigable effort, but

this is well worth while. For when such elusive influences are brought into the light and branded,

they lose their power over people.

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Nine in the third place means:

Repeated penetration. Humiliation.

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Penetrating reflection must not be pushed too far, lest it cripple the power of decision. After a

matter has been thoroughly pondered, it is essential to form a decision and to act. Repeated

deliberation brings fresh doubts and scruples, and thereby humiliation, because one shows

oneself unable to act.

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Six in the fourth place means:

Remorse vanishes. During the hunt three kinds of game are caught.

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When a responsible position and accumulated experience lead one to combine innate modesty

with energetic action, great success is assured. The three kinds of animals referred to served for

offerings to the gods, for feasting guests, and for everyday consumption. When the catch

answered all three purposes, the hunt was considered especially successful.

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Nine in the fifth place means:

Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse vanishes. Nothing that does not further. No beginning,

but an end. Before the change, three days. After the change, three days. Good fortune.

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In the situation described in Ku, Decay, an entirely new point of departure must be set up, whereas

here it is only a question of reforms. The beginning has not been good, but the moment has been reached when a new direction can be taken. Change and improvement are called for. Such steps

must be undertaken with steadfastness, that is, with a firm and correct attitude of mind; then they will succeed, and remorse will disappear. But it must be remembered that such improvements require

careful consideration. Before a change is made, it must be pondered over again and again. After the

change is made, it is necessary to note carefully for some time after how the improvements bear

the test of actuality. Such careful work is accompanied by good fortune.

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Nine at the top means:

Penetration under the bed. He loses his property and his ax. Perseverance brings misfortune.

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A man's understanding is sufficiently penetrating. He follows up injurious influences into the

most secret corners. But he no longer has the strength to combat them decisively. In this case any

attempt to penetrate into the personal domain of darkness would only bring harm.