Hexagram 11
Peace (Tài)
Above: Earth · Below: Heaven
Heaven and earth in touch — the smoothest of times
Video
The judgment
You give a little and receive much in return. Great good fortune; everything goes smoothly.
The Image: Heaven and earth meet: peace. So the ruler shapes and completes the way of heaven and earth, supports what is fitting to them, and so helps the people.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
The small goes, the great comes; open, peaceful and auspicious. When peace reaches its height it turns to standstill, so hold firm to what you have.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
Seeking jade in the state of Chen, lingering in the eastern lands. Wait for my prince; in four days he returns. The lord has virtue, and all receive his grace and blessings.
When those above have virtue, those below share in the blessings. Above and below of one heart — that is peace.
Takashima
- On business: both buying and selling go well, but selling brings little profit and buying brings much.
- On marriage: yin and yang united — a sign of great good fortune.
Five common questions
Timing
Give little, gain much; all goes well
Health
Good energy and flow; don't overdo it
Money
A good time to build up; make the most of it
Home
A thriving home; in good times, prepare for lean
Love
Yin and yang united; very good for marriage
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Nine at the beginning: Pull up one reed and its roots come with it, together with its kind. Setting out brings good fortune.
- Nine in the second place: Bearing with the rough and uncultivated, fording the river on foot, not neglecting those far away, not forming cliques — this is how one walks the middle way.
- Nine in the third place: No plain without a slope, no going without a return. Steadfast in hardship, no blame. Do not worry about your sincerity; there is blessing in what you have.
- Six in the fourth place: Fluttering down, not boasting of wealth, together with the neighbors — sincere, with no need for warnings.
- Six in the fifth place: Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage. This brings blessing and supreme good fortune.
- Six at the top: The city wall falls back into the moat. Do not send out the army. Give orders only within your own town. Persisting brings humiliation.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.