Hexagram 26
Ta Ch'uThe Taming Power of the Great
Mountain (Gen) · Heaven (Qian)
The image
Heaven within the mountain: The image of THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity And many deeds of the past, In order to strengthen his character thereby.
This hexagram in one line
The Creative is tamed by Kên, Keeping Still. This produces great power, a situation in contrast to that of the ninth hexagram, Hsiao Ch'u, THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL, in which the Creative is tamed by the Gentle alone. There one weak line must tame five strong lines, but here four strong lines are restrained by two weak lines; in addition to a minister, there is a prince, and the restraining power therefore is far stronger. The hexagram has a threefold meaning, expressing different aspects of the concept “holding firm.” Heaven within the mountain gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding together; the trigram Kên, which holds the trigram Ch'ien still, gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding back; the third idea is that of holding firm in the sense of caring for and nourishing. This last is suggested by the fact that a strong line at the top, which is the ruler of the hexagram, is honored and tended as a sage. The third of these meanings also attaches specifically to this strong line at the top, which represents the sage.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Mountain holds heaven
Hexagram Judgment
THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clearheaded man who is honored by the ruler. The trigram Ch'ien points to strong creative power; Kên indicates firmness and truth. Both point to light and clarity and to the daily renewal of character. Only through such daily self-renewal can a man continue at the height of his powers. Force of habit helps to keep order in quiet times; but in periods when there is a great storing up of energy, everything depends on the power of the personality. However, since the worthy are honored, as in the case of the strong personality entrusted with leadership by the ruler, it is an advantage not to eat at home but rather to earn one's bread by entering upon public office. Such a man is in harmony with heaven; therefore even great and difficult undertakings, such as crossing the great water, succeed.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
The Taming Power of the Great means strength, firmness, sincerity, and radiance, with virtue renewed day by day. The strong line stands above and honors the worthy; strength is restrained, and this is great correctness. Not eating at home brings good fortune because it nourishes the worthy. It furthers one to cross the great river because it accords with heaven.
The Taming Power of the Great shows the firm in a high position with the yielding below. Great strength combined with devotion checks and holds back excess. Daily renewal of virtue ensures the firm finds its proper place and achieves its will.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Heaven within the mountain: The image of THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity And many deeds of the past, In order to strengthen his character thereby.
Heaven within the mountain points to hidden treasures. In the words and deeds of the past there lies hidden a treasure that men may use to strengthen and elevate their own characters. The way to study the past is not to confine oneself to mere knowledge of history but, through application of this knowledge, to give actuality to the past.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 26 (The Taming Power of the Great) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 26 (The Taming Power of the Great) mean for your career? To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clearheaded man who is honored by the ruler... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram FinanceHexagram 26 (The Taming Power of the Great) in Finance: I Ching Guidance for Wealth and Money MattersWhat does Hexagram 26 (The Taming Power of the Great) mean for finances? To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clearheaded man who is honored by the ruler... Discover how the I Ching guides resource management, timing of financial decisions, and the mindset behind lasting wealth.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ta Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Great mean in the I Ching?
To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clearheaded man who is honored by the ruler...
How should I study Hexagram 26 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. A man wishes to make vigorous advance, but circumstances present an obstacle. He sees himself held back firmly. If he should attempt to force an advance, it would lead him into mis...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
The Taming Power of the Great shows the firm in a high position with the yielding below. Great strength combined with devotion checks and holds back excess. Daily renewal of virtue ensures the firm finds its proper place...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.