Hexagram 14
Ta YuPossession
Fire (Li) · Heaven (Qian)
The image
Fire in heaven above: The image of POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE. Thus the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, And thereby obeys the benevolent will of heaven.
This hexagram in one line
The fire in heaven above shines far, and all things stand out in the light and become manifest. The weak fifth line occupies the place of honor, and all the strong lines are in accord with it. All things come to the man who is modest and kind in a high position.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Great possession comes from heaven
Hexagram Judgment
POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE. Supreme success.
The two trigrams indicate that strength and clarity unite. Possession in great measure is determined by fate and accords with the time. How is it possible that the weak line has power to hold the strong lines fast and to possess them? It is done by virtue of unselfish modesty. The time is favorable—a time of strength within, clarity and culture without. Power is expressing itself in a graceful and controlled way. This brings supreme success and wealth.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Fire (Li)
- Fire · Clinging
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Great Possession means that the yielding attains the honored place, is great and central, and all above and below respond to it. Its virtue is strong and clear, corresponding with heaven and moving with the times. Therefore there is supreme success.
This is not merely having much, but possessing greatly while remaining clear, strong, and aligned with heaven's timing. When abundance is governed by virtue, it can be rightly sustained.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Fire in heaven above: The image of POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE. Thus the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, And thereby obeys the benevolent will of heaven.
The sun in heaven above, shedding light over everything on earth, is the image of possession on a grand scale. But a possession of this sort must be administered properly. The sun brings both evil and good into the light of day. Man must combat and curb the evil, and must favor and promote the good. Only in this way does he fulfill the benevolent will of God, who desires only good and not evil.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
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Frequently asked questions
What does Ta Yu / Possession mean in the I Ching?
The two trigrams indicate that strength and clarity unite. Possession in great measure is determined by fate and accords with the time. How is it possible that...
How should I study Hexagram 14 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Great possession that is still in its beginnings and that has not yet been challenged brings no blame, since there has been no opportunity to make mistakes. Yet there are many diff...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
This is not merely having much, but possessing greatly while remaining clear, strong, and aligned with heaven's timing. When abundance is governed by virtue, it can be rightly sustained.
Test this hexagram against your question
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.