Hexagram 34
Ta ChuangThe Power of the Great
Thunder (Zhen) · Heaven (Qian)
The image
Thunder in heaven above: The image of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths That do not accord with established order.
This hexagram in one line
The great lines, that is, the light, strong lines, are powerful. Four light lines have entered the hexagram from below and are about to ascend higher. The upper trigram is Chên, the Arousing; the lower is Ch'ien, the Creative. Ch'ien is strong, Chên produces movement. The union of movement and strength gives the meaning of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. The hexagram is linked with the second month (March–April).
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Thunder drums beneath heaven
Hexagram Judgment
THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers.
The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence there is danger that one may rely entirely on one's own power and forget to ask what is right. There is danger too that, being intent on movement, we may not wait for the right time. Therefore the added statement that perseverance furthers. For that is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point—namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united—we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Thunder (Zhen)
- Thunder · Arousing
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Great Power means that the great becomes strong. Through firmness in movement comes power. It furthers to be persevering, because the great must be right. When what is right is great, the nature of heaven and earth becomes visible.
Great Power means the great becomes strong. Through firmness in movement comes power. Perseverance furthers because greatness must be combined with rightness.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Thunder in heaven above: The image of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths That do not accord with established order.
Thunder—electrical energy—mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.
Further
Related hexagrams
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Frequently asked questions
What does Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great mean in the I Ching?
The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence the...
How should I study Hexagram 34 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. The toes are in the lowest place and are ready to advance. So likewise great power in lowly station is inclined to effect advance by force. This, if carried further, would certainl...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Great Power means the great becomes strong. Through firmness in movement comes power. Perseverance furthers because greatness must be combined with rightness.
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.