Hexagram 15 of 64

Qiān — Mountain Under Earth

地山谦 · Legge: Khien · Earth above, Mountain below

The mountain inside the earth: lowliness that is not performed is the one thing no one can take from you.

humilityrestraintperseverance

The Judgment

Qiān. Progress and success. The superior man, will have a issue.

Legge’s 1882 translation

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

The Image

XV. (The trigram for) the earth and (that of) a mountain in the midst of it form Khien. The superior man, in accordance with this, diminishes what is excessive (in himself), and increases where there is any defect, bringing about an equality, according to the nature of the case, in his treatment (of himself and others).

地中有山,谦;君子以裒多益寡,称物平施。

The Six Lines

The first six · 初六

The first line, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. The great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The first six, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.

The second six · 六二

The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognized. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The second six, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognized. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

The third nine · 九三

The third line, undivided, shows the superior man of acknowledged merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The third nine, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.

The fourth six · 六四

The fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up his humility.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The fourth six, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.

The fifth six · 六五

The fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbors. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The fifth six, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbors. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.

The topmost six · 上六

The sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognized. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but punish his own towns and state.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The sixth six, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognized. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.

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