Hexagram 43
KuaiBreak-through
Lake (Dui) · Heaven (Qian)
The image
The lake has risen up to heaven: The image of BREAK-THROUGH. Thus the superior man Dispenses riches downward And refrains from resting on his virtue.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram signifies on the one hand a break-through after a long accumulation of tension, as a swollen river breaks through its dikes, or in the manner of a cloudburst. On the other hand, applied to human conditions, it refers to the time when inferior people gradually begin to disappear. Their influence is on the wane; as a result of resolute action, a change in conditions occurs, a break-through. The hexagram is linked with the third month [April–May].
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Lake reaches to heaven
Hexagram Judgment
BREAK-THROUGH. One must resolutely make the matter known At the court of the king. It must be announced truthfully. Danger. It is necessary to notify one's own city. It does not further to resort to arms. It furthers one to undertake something.
Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side—therefore fight without quarter is necessary if the good is to prevail. In a resolute struggle of the good against evil, there are, however, definite rules that must not be disregarded, if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited. Nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons, and if we do it the favor of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion. Therefore it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil become dulled. For the same reasons we should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them, they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Lake (Dui)
- Lake · Joy
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Breakthrough means resoluteness. The hard resolutely acts on the soft. Vigorous and joyous, resolute yet harmonious. One must resolutely make the matter known at the court of the king, because the soft is riding on five hard lines. It must be announced truthfully: danger is thereby illuminated. It is necessary to notify one's own city because one has not yet won the people's confidence. It does not further to resort to arms because what is esteemed thereby comes to an end. It furthers to undertake something because the hard grows to its end.
Breakthrough means resoluteness. The hard resolutely acts on the soft. Being vigorous and joyous creates harmony. Making matters known at court is necessary because the soft rides on five hard lines. Truthful announcement illuminates danger.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
The lake has risen up to heaven: The image of BREAK-THROUGH. Thus the superior man Dispenses riches downward And refrains from resting on his virtue.
When the water of a lake has risen up to heaven, there is reason to fear a cloudburst. Taking this as a warning, the superior man forestalls a violent collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse. For all gathering is followed by dispersion. Therefore the superior man begins to distribute while he is accumulating. In the same way, in developing his character he takes care not to become hardened in obstinacy but to remain receptive to impressions by help of strict and continuous self-examination.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 43 (Break-through [Resoluteness]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 43 (Break-through [Resoluteness]) mean for your career? Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram StudyI Ching Hexagram Meanings: How to Read the 64 PatternsUnderstand how I Ching hexagram meanings work, from the overall pattern to the image, line statements, and modern interpretation.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kuai / Break-through mean in the I Ching?
Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has...
How should I study Hexagram 43 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. In times of a resolute advance, the beginning is especially difficult. We feel inspired to press forward but resistance is still strong; therefore we ought to gauge our own strengt...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Breakthrough means resoluteness. The hard resolutely acts on the soft. Being vigorous and joyous creates harmony. Making matters known at court is necessary because the soft rides on five hard lines. Truthful announcemen...
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.