Hexagram 40
HsiehDeliverance
Thunder (Zhen) · Water (Kan)
The image
Thunder and rain set in: The image of DELIVERANCE. Thus the superior man pardons mistakes And forgives misdeeds.
This hexagram in one line
Here the movement goes out of the sphere of danger. The obstacle has been removed, the difficulties are being resolved. Deliverance is not yet achieved; it is just in its beginning, and the hexagram represents its various stages.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Thunder meets rain
Hexagram Judgment
DELIVERANCE. The southwest furthers. If there is no longer anything where one has to go, Return brings good fortune. If there is still something where one has to go, Hastening brings good fortune.
This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible; this is the meaning of “the southwest.” These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however: in such times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary. Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no retardations occur.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Thunder (Zhen)
- Thunder · Arousing
- Water (Kan)
- Water · Abysmal
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Deliverance means untying. Danger produces movement; through movement one escapes from danger—this is Deliverance. It furthers to go southwest because going brings gain. Returning brings good fortune, because one obtains the middle. If there is still something, speed brings good fortune: going brings success. When heaven and earth deliver themselves, thunder and rain arise. When thunder and rain arise, the seeds of all fruits and plants begin to open. The time of Deliverance is great indeed.
Deliverance means untying. Danger produces movement; movement allows escape from danger. Going southwest brings gain; returning brings good fortune through obtaining the middle. When heaven and earth deliver themselves, thunder and rain arise, opening the seeds of all fruits and plants.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Thunder and rain set in: The image of DELIVERANCE. Thus the superior man pardons mistakes And forgives misdeeds.
A thunderstorm has the effect of clearing the air; the superior man produces a similar effect when dealing with mistakes and sins of men that induce a condition of tension. Through clarity he brings deliverance. However, when failings come to light, he does not dwell on them; he simply passes over mistakes, the unintentional transgressions, just as thunder dies away. He forgives misdeeds, the intentional transgressions, just as water washes everything clean.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
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Frequently asked questions
What does Hsieh / Deliverance mean in the I Ching?
This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possi...
How should I study Hexagram 40 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. In keeping with the situation, few words are needed. The hindrance is past, deliverance has come. One recuperates in peace and keeps still. This is the right thing to do in times w...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Deliverance means untying. Danger produces movement; movement allows escape from danger. Going southwest brings gain; returning brings good fortune through obtaining the middle. When heaven and earth deliver themselves,...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.