Hexagram 31
HsienInfluence
Lake (Dui) · Mountain (Gen)
The image
A lake on the mountain: The image of influence. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him By his readiness to receive them.
This hexagram in one line
The name of the hexagram means “universal,” “general,” and in a figurative sense “to influence,” “to stimulate.” The upper trigram is Tui, the Joyous; the lower is Kên, Keeping Still. By its persistent, quiet influence, the lower, rigid trigram stimulates the upper, weak trigram, which responds to this stimulation cheerfully and joyously. Kên, the lower trigram, is the youngest son; the upper, Tui, is the youngest daughter. Thus the universal mutual attraction between the sexes is represented. In courtship, the masculine principle must seize the initiative and place itself below the feminine principle. Just as the first part of the book I begins with the hexagrams of heaven and earth, the foundations of all that exists, the second part begins with the hexagrams of courtship and marriage, the foundations of all social relationship
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Lake rests on heaven
Hexagram Judgment
Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
The weak element is above, the strong below; hence their powers attract each other, so that they unite. This brings about success, for all success depends on the effect of mutual attraction. By keeping still within while experiencing joy without, one can prevent the joy from going to excess and hold it within proper bounds. This is the meaning of the added admonition, “Perseverance furthers,” for it is perseverance that makes the difference between seduction and courtship; in the latter the strong man takes a position inferior to that of the weak girl and shows consideration for her. This attraction between affinities is a general law of nature. Heaven and earth attract each other and thus all creatures come into being. Through such attraction the sage influences men's hearts, and thus the world attains peace. From the attractions they exert we can learn the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Lake (Dui)
- Lake · Joy
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Influence means mutual response. The yielding is above and the firm below; the two energies respond to one another and join. Stillness combined with joy, the man yielding to the woman: therefore there is success, perseverance, and good fortune in marriage. Heaven and earth respond to one another and all beings are transformed and born. The sage moves human hearts, and the world attains peace. Observing what things respond to, one may see the nature of heaven, earth, and the myriad beings.
True influence is not force but resonance. The two sides answer one another, and through that response relationship, creation, and social harmony become possible.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
A lake on the mountain: The image of influence. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him By his readiness to receive them.
A mountain with a lake on its summit is stimulated by the moisture from the lake. It has this advantage because its summit does not jut out as a peak but is sunken. The image counsels that the mind should be kept humble and free, so that it may remain receptive to good advice. People soon give up counseling a man who thinks that he knows everything better than anyone else.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
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Frequently asked questions
What does Hsien / Influence mean in the I Ching?
The weak element is above, the strong below; hence their powers attract each other, so that they unite. This brings about success, for all success depends on th...
How should I study Hexagram 31 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. A movement, before it is actually carried out, shows itself first in the toes. The idea of an influence is already present, but it is not immediately apparent to others. As long as...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
True influence is not force but resonance. The two sides answer one another, and through that response relationship, creation, and social harmony become possible.
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.