Hexagram 36
Ming IDarkening of the Light
Earth (Kun) · Fire (Li)
The image
The light has sunk into the earth: The image of DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. Thus does the superior man live with the great mass: He veils his light, yet still shines.
This hexagram in one line
Here the sun has sunk under the earth and is therefore darkened. The name of the hexagram means literally “wounding of the bright”; hence the individual lines contain frequent references to wounding. The situation is the exact opposite of that in the foregoing hexagram. In the latter a wise man at the head of affairs has able helpers, and in company with them makes progress; here a man of dark nature is in a position of authority and brings harm to the wise and able man.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Brightness enters earth
Hexagram Judgment
DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. In adversity It furthers one to be persevering.
One must not unresistingly let himself be swept along by unfavorable circumstances, nor permit his steadfastness to be shaken. He can avoid this by maintaining his inner light, while remaining outwardly yielding and tractable. With this attitude he can overcome even the greatest adversities. In some situations indeed a man must hide his light, in order to make his will prevail in spite of difficulties in his immediate environment. Perseverance must dwell in inmost consciousness and should not be discernible from without. Only thus is a man able to maintain his will in the face of difficulties.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Earth (Kun)
- Earth · Receptive
- Fire (Li)
- Fire · Clinging
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
The light has sunk into the earth: this is Darkening of the Light. Inner light, outer mildness—to bear such great suffering as King Wen did. To persevere in hardship is to hide one's light. Though in difficult straits, one can still keep one's will correct, as King Ji did.
Light sinking into the earth creates Darkening of the Light. Inner light with outer mildness allows one to bear great suffering, as King Wen did. Perseverance in hardship means hiding one's light while maintaining correct will.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
The light has sunk into the earth: The image of DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. Thus does the superior man live with the great mass: He veils his light, yet still shines.
In a time of darkness it is essential to be cautious and reserved. One should not needlessly awaken overwhelming enmity by inconsiderate behavior. In such times one ought not to fall in with the practices of others; neither should one drag them censoriously into the light. In social intercourse one should not try to be all-knowing. One should let many things pass, without being duped.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
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Frequently asked questions
What does Ming I / Darkening of the Light mean in the I Ching?
One must not unresistingly let himself be swept along by unfavorable circumstances, nor permit his steadfastness to be shaken. He can avoid this by maintaining...
How should I study Hexagram 36 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. With grandiose resolve a man endeavors to soar above all obstacles, but thus encounters a hostile fate. He retreats and evades the issue. The time is difficult. Without rest, he mu...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Light sinking into the earth creates Darkening of the Light. Inner light with outer mildness allows one to bear great suffering, as King Wen did. Perseverance in hardship means hiding one's light while maintaining correc...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.