The strong supports or yields to the weak.
Modesty means voluntarily maintaining a lowly position when one actually has the strength to have one’s way. When the strong supports the weak, sustainable growth arises. When the strong dominates, there may be a brief show of glory but the end result is stagnation or decay. Modesty underwrites the success of the cosmos. Modesty is the virtue that sustains movement between Yin and Yang. The cosmic dynamic endures because Yang (the strong) modestly allows itself to be shaped by Yin (the weak). If it were otherwise, the weak would be stifled by the strong and all movement would cease. By modestly restraining our own power we can avoid obscuring the influence of the universal spirit. The influence of the universal spirit is a subtle background to all other powers, including our own, and can be obscured by them. Modesty generates opportunities for Love. |
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Suggested Responses
In relating to others, yield even though you have the strength to have your way. This does not necessarily imply inaction, and you can actively support others. But action arising from a sense of modesty will have an extremely light touch. There may be an opportunity for Love. So great is the value placed upon modesty that casting this hexagram can always be interpreted as an expression of approval by the Oracle. A corollary virtue to modesty is duty – doing what is needed of one rather than doing what one desires for oneself. |
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Accents
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Notes
This interpretation of the hexagram is significantly different to a classical I Ching understanding. |
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