Hexagram 51The eight pure hexagrams · Thunder
ChênThe Arousing
Thunder (Zhen) · Thunder (Zhen)
The image
Thunder repeated: the image of SHOCK. Thus in fear and trembling The superior man sets his life in order And examines himself.
This hexagram in one line
The hexagram Chên represents the eldest son, who seizes rule with energy and power. A yang line develops below two yin lines and presses upward forcibly. This movement is so violent that it arouses terror. It is symbolized by thunder, which bursts forth from the earth and by its shock causes fear and trembling.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Thunder creates all things
Hexagram Judgment
SHOCK brings success. Shock comes—oh, oh! Laughing words—ha, ha! The shock terrifies for a hundred miles, And he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.
The shock that comes from the manifestation of God within the depths of the earth makes man afraid, but this fear of God is good, for joy and merriment can follow upon it. When a man has learned within his heart what fear and trembling mean, he is safeguarded against any terror produced by outside influences. Let the thunder roll and spread terror a hundred miles around: he remains so composed and reverent in spirit that the sacrificial rite is not interrupted. This is the spirit that must animate leaders and rulers of men—a profound inner seriousness from which all outer terrors glance off harmlessly.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Thunder (Zhen)
- Thunder · Arousing
- Thunder (Zhen)
- Thunder · Arousing
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
The Arousing brings success. When it comes, fear brings good fortune, because fear brings good fortune afterward. Laughter and talk: later there are principles. When the shock terrifies for a hundred miles, it startles the far and frightens the near. He who can go out and take care of the altar of the earth and grain can be the master of sacrifices.
The Arousing brings success. Fear brings good fortune because it leads to good fortune afterward. Laughter and talk show later principles. Shocking the far and frightening the near, one who can care for the altar can be master of sacrifices.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Thunder repeated: the image of SHOCK. Thus in fear and trembling The superior man sets his life in order And examines himself.
The shock of continuing thunder brings fear and trembling. The superior man is always filled with reverence at the manifestation of God; he sets his life in order and searches his heart, lest it harbor any secret opposition to the will of God. Thus reverence is the foundation of true culture.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 51 (The Arousing [Shock, Thunder]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 51 (The Arousing [Shock, Thunder]) mean for your career? The shock that comes from the manifestation of God within the depths of the earth makes man afraid, but this fear of God is good, for joy and merriment can foll... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram HealthHexagram 51 (The Arousing [Shock, Thunder]) in Health: I Ching Guidance for Wellbeing and VitalityWhat does Hexagram 51 (The Arousing [Shock, Thunder]) suggest about health and wellbeing? The shock that comes from the manifestation of God within the depths of the earth makes man afraid, but this fear of God is good, for joy and merriment can foll... Explore how the I Ching frames the balance of energy, rest, and renewal.
Frequently asked questions
What does Chên / The Arousing mean in the I Ching?
The shock that comes from the manifestation of God within the depths of the earth makes man afraid, but this fear of God is good, for joy and merriment can foll...
How should I study Hexagram 51 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. The fear and trembling engendered by shock come to an individual at first in such a way that he sees himself placed at a disadvantage as against others. But this is only transitory...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
The Arousing brings success. Fear brings good fortune because it leads to good fortune afterward. Laughter and talk show later principles. Shocking the far and frightening the near, one who can care for the altar can be...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.