Hexagram 53
ChienDevelopment
Wind (Xun) · Mountain (Gen)
The image
On the mountain, a tree: The image of DEVELOPMENT. Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, In order to improve the mores.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram is made up of Sun (wood, penetration) above, i.e., without, and Kên (mountain, stillness) below, i.e., within. A tree on a mountain develops slowly according to the law of its being and consequently stands firmly rooted. This gives the idea of a development that proceeds gradually, step by step. The attributes of the trigrams also point to this: within is tranquility, which guards against precipitate actions, and without is penetration, which makes development and progress possible.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Tree grows on mountain
Hexagram Judgment
DEVELOPMENT. The maiden Is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.
The development of events that leads to a girl's following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage takes place. This principle of gradual development can be applied to other situations as well; it is always applicable where it is a matter of correct relationships of co-operation, as for instance in the appointment of an official. The development must be allowed to take its proper course. Hasty action would not be wise. This is also true, finally, of any effort to exert influence on others, for here too the essential factor is a correct way of development through cultivation of one's own personality. No influence such as that exerted by agitators has a lasting effect. Within the personality too, development must follow the same course if lasting results are to be achieved. Gentleness that is adaptable, but at the same time penetrating, is the outer form that should proceed from inner calm. The very gradualness of the development makes it necessary to have perseverance, for perseverance alone prevents slow progress from dwindling to nothing.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Development means advance. The maiden is given in marriage: good fortune. Going forward brings the proper place. Going brings success. Going in the right way can set the state in order. In his position, the hard attains the middle. Keeping still and devoted, movement does not come to an end.
Development means advance. The maiden given in marriage brings good fortune. Going forward brings proper place and success. Going in the right way can set the state in order.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
On the mountain, a tree: The image of DEVELOPMENT. Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, In order to improve the mores.
The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on one's own moral development.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 53 (Development [Gradual Progress]) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 53 (Development [Gradual Progress]) reveal about love and relationships? The development of events that leads to a girl’s following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage ta... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 53 (Development [Gradual Progress]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 53 (Development [Gradual Progress]) mean for your career? The development of events that leads to a girl’s following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage ta... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Chien / Development mean in the I Ching?
The development of events that leads to a girl's following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage ta...
How should I study Hexagram 53 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. All the individual lines in this hexagram symbolize the gradual flight of the wild goose. The wild goose is the symbol of conjugal fidelity, because it is believed that this bird n...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Development means advance. The maiden given in marriage brings good fortune. Going forward brings proper place and success. Going in the right way can set the state in order.
Test this hexagram against your question
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.