Hexagram 22
PiGrace
Mountain (Gen) · Fire (Li)
The image
Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of GRACE. Thus does the superior man proceed When clearing up current affairs. But he dare not decide controversial issues in this way.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram shows a fire that breaks out of the secret depths of the earth and, blazing up, illuminates and beautifies the mountain, the heavenly heights. Grace—beauty of form—is necessary in any union if it is to be well ordered and pleasing rather than disordered and chaotic.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Mountain has fire beneath
Hexagram Judgment
GRACE has success. In small matters It is favorable to undertake something.
Grace brings success. However, it is not the essential or fundamental thing; it is only the ornament and must therefore be used sparingly and only in little things. In the lower trigram of fire a yielding line comes between two strong lines and makes them beautiful, but the strong lines are the essential content and the weak line is the beautifying form. In the upper trigram of the mountain, the strong line takes the lead, so that here again the strong element must be regarded as the decisive factor. In nature we see in the sky the strong light of the sun; the life of the world depends on it. But this strong, essential thing is changed and given pleasing variety by the moon and the stars. In human affairs, aesthetic form comes into being when traditions exist that, strong and abiding like mountains, are made pleasing by a lucid beauty. By contemplating the forms existing in the heavens we come to understand time and its changing demands. Through contemplation of the forms existing in human society it becomes possible to shape the world.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
- Fire (Li)
- Fire · Clinging
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Grace succeeds. The yielding comes and gives form to the firm, therefore in small matters it is favorable to go forward. The firm rises and gives form to the yielding. This is the pattern of heavenly adornment. Civilized clarity joined with stillness is the pattern of human adornment. By observing the patterns of heaven, one discerns the changes of the times. By observing the patterns of human culture, one transforms and completes the world.
Grace means adornment. The soft comes to adorn the firm, and the firm rises to adorn the soft. This is why small advance is favorable. The patterns of heaven reveal changes in time, and the patterns of human culture can transform and complete the world.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of GRACE. Thus does the superior man proceed When clearing up current affairs. But he dare not decide controversial issues in this way.
The fire, whose light illuminates the mountain and makes it pleasing, does not shine far; in the same way, beautiful form suffices to brighten and to throw light upon matters of lesser moment, but important questions cannot be decided in this way. They require greater earnestness.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 22 (Grace) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 22 (Grace) reveal about love and relationships? Grace brings success. However, it is not the essential or fundamental thing; it is only the ornament and must therefore be used sparingly and only in little thi... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 22 (Grace) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 22 (Grace) mean for your career? Grace brings success. However, it is not the essential or fundamental thing; it is only the ornament and must therefore be used sparingly and only in little thi... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Pi / Grace mean in the I Ching?
Grace brings success. However, it is not the essential or fundamental thing; it is only the ornament and must therefore be used sparingly and only in little thi...
How should I study Hexagram 22 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. A beginner in a subordinate place must take upon himself the labor of advancing. There might be an opportunity of surreptitiously easing the way—symbolized by the carriage—but a se...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Grace means adornment. The soft comes to adorn the firm, and the firm rises to adorn the soft. This is why small advance is favorable. The patterns of heaven reveal changes in time, and the patterns of human culture can...
Test this hexagram against your question
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.