Hexagram 35
ChinProgress
Fire (Li) · Earth (Kun)
The image
The sun rises over the earth: The image of PROGRESS. Thus the superior man himself Brightens his bright virtue.
This hexagram in one line
The hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth. It is therefore the symbol of rapid, easy progress, which at the same time means ever widening expansion and clarity.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Earth receives brightness
Hexagram Judgment
PROGRESS. The powerful prince Is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day he is granted audience three times.
As an example of progress, this pictures a time when a powerful feudal lord rallies the other lords around the sovereign and pledges fealty and peace. The sovereign rewards him richly and invites him to a closer intimacy. A twofold idea is set forth here. The actual effect of the progress emanates from a man who is in a dependent position and whom the others regard as their equal and are therefore willing to follow. This leader has enough clarity of vision not to abuse his great influence but to use it rather for the benefit of his ruler. His ruler in turn is free of all jealousy, showers presents on the great man, and invites him continually to his court. An enlightened ruler and an obedient servant—this is the condition on which great progress depends.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Fire (Li)
- Fire · Clinging
- Earth (Kun)
- Earth · Receptive
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Progress means advancing. The bright light emerges from the earth. Gentle and devoted, it ascends gradually. It is therefore said that the powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers and granted audience three times in a single day.
Progress means advancing. Light emerges from the earth, gentle and devoted, gradually ascending. The prince receives honors because he embodies these qualities.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
The sun rises over the earth: The image of PROGRESS. Thus the superior man himself Brightens his bright virtue.
The light of the sun as it rises over the earth is by nature clear. The higher the sun rises, the more it emerges from the dark mists, spreading the pristine purity of its rays over an ever widening area. The real nature of man is likewise originally good, but it becomes clouded by contact with earthly things and therefore needs purification before it can shine forth in its native clarity.
Further
Related hexagrams
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Frequently asked questions
What does Chin / Progress mean in the I Ching?
As an example of progress, this pictures a time when a powerful feudal lord rallies the other lords around the sovereign and pledges fealty and peace. The sover...
How should I study Hexagram 35 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. At a time when all elements are pressing for progress, we are still uncertain whether in the course of advance we may not meet with a rebuff. Then the thing to do is simply to cont...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Progress means advancing. Light emerges from the earth, gentle and devoted, gradually ascending. The prince receives honors because he embodies these qualities.
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.