Hexagram 57The eight pure hexagrams · Wind
SunThe Gentle
Wind (Xun) · Wind (Xun)
The image
Winds following one upon the other: The image of THE GENTLY PENETRATING. Thus the superior man Spreads his commands abroad And carries out his undertakings.
This hexagram in one line
Sun is one of the eight doubled trigrams. It is the eldest daughter and symbolizes wind or wood; it has for its attribute gentleness, which nonetheless penetrates like the wind or like growing wood with its roots. The dark principle, in itself rigid and immovable, is dissolved by the penetrating light principle, to which it subordinates itself in gentleness. In nature, it is the wind that disperses the gathered clouds, leaving the sky clear and serene. In human life it is penetrating clarity of judgment that thwarts all dark hidden motives. In the life of the community it is the powerful influence of a great personality that uncovers and breaks up those intrigues which shun the light of day.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Wind follows wind
Hexagram Judgment
THE GENTLE. Success through what is small. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. It furthers one to see the great man.
Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kind are less striking to the eye than those won by surprise attack, but they are more enduring and more complete. If one would produce such effects, one must have a clearly defined goal, for only when the penetrating influence works always in the same direction can the object be attained. Small strength can achieve its purpose only by subordinating itself to an eminent man who is capable of creating order.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
The twofold use of the Gentle means repeating the decree. The hard finds the middle and the correct, and his will is carried out. Therefore both Gentle and Devoted. Since the yielding is in accordance with the hard, success through what is small is possible. It furthers to have somewhere to go: the advance brings success. It furthers to see the great man: the will is carried out.
The doubled Gentle means repeating commands. The hard line is gentle in a central and correct way, so its purpose is carried out. The yielding lines all follow the hard; therefore small success is possible. It furthers to go somewhere, and it furthers to see the great person.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Winds following one upon the other: The image of THE GENTLY PENETRATING. Thus the superior man Spreads his commands abroad And carries out his undertakings.
The penetrating quality of the wind depends upon its ceaselessness. This is what makes it so powerful; time is its instrument. In the same way the ruler's thought should penetrate the soul of the people. This too requires a lasting influence brought about by enlightenment and command. Only when the command has been assimilated by the people is action in accordance with it possible. Action without preparation of the ground only frightens and repels.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 57 (The Gentle [Penetrating Wind]) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 57 (The Gentle [Penetrating Wind]) reveal about love and relationships? Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kin... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 57 (The Gentle [Penetrating Wind]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 57 (The Gentle [Penetrating Wind]) mean for your career? Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kin... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Sun / The Gentle mean in the I Ching?
Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kin...
How should I study Hexagram 57 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Inborn gentleness is often carried to the point of indecisiveness. One does not feel strong enough to advance resolutely. A thousand doubts crop up; one is, however, not minded to...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
The doubled Gentle means repeating commands. The hard line is gentle in a central and correct way, so its purpose is carried out. The yielding lines all follow the hard; therefore small success is possible. It furthers t...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.