Hexagram 1 of 64

Qián — Heaven Over Heaven

乾为天 · Legge: Khien (also: Chien) · Heaven above, Heaven below

Heaven's own force: the work is to keep going without slackening, and the way stays open.

beginningperseverancedecisiveness

The Judgment

Qián. Great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

Legge’s 1882 translation

Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

Note: King Wen's utterances.

The Image

I. Heaven, in its motion, (gives the idea of) strength. The superior man, in accordance with this, nerves himself to ceaseless activity.

天行健,君子以自强不息。

The Six Lines

The first nine · 初九

In the first line, undivided, the dragon lying hid. It is not the time for active doing.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the first (or lowest) nine, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.

The second nine · 九二

In the second line, undivided, the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the second nine, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.

The third nine · 九三

In the third line, undivided, we see its subject as the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. The position is dangerous, but there will be no mistake.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the third nine, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.

The fourth nine · 九四

In the fourth line, undivided, as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the fourth nine, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.

The fifth nine · 九五

In the fifth line, undivided, the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the fifth nine, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.

The topmost nine · 上九

In the sixth line, undivided, the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the sixth (or topmost) nine, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.

The use of the number nine · 用九

The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from the use of the number nine. If the host of dragons thus appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

(The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number nine. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.

Note: The points are a duke's additions

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