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I Ching hexagram 19, Lin
Hexagram 19

Lin

Gentle Approach

Classical name: Lin

When you receive Hexagram 19, Lin, the I Ching turns your attention to gentle approach. Approach. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.

The Judgment

Approach. Great progress and success. Hold firm and correct. In the eighth month there will be misfortune.

Classical (Legge)Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

The Image

Earth above the marsh. The one of centered character instructs without exhaustion, and nourishes and supports the people without limit.

Classical (Legge)(The trigram for) the earth and (that for the waters of) a marsh above it form Lin. The superior man, in accordance with this, has his purposes of instruction that are inexhaustible, and nourishes and supports the people without limit.

The Changing Lines

Nine at the beginning

Advancing together. Through firm and correct there will be good fortune.

Classical (Legge)The advance is together (with the subject of the second line). Through firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Nine in the second place

Advancing together. Good fortune. Advancing will be in every way advantageous.

Classical (Legge)The advance is together (with the subject of the first line). There will be good fortune; (advancing) will be in every way advantageous.

Six in the third place

Well pleased to advance, but nothing is gained by it. If one becomes anxious about it, there will be no error.

Classical (Legge)He (shows himself) well pleased (to advance), (but) there is nothing to be gained by it. If he become anxious about it (however), there will be no error.

Six in the fourth place

The advance is perfect. There will be no error.

Classical (Legge)The advance is perfect. There will be no error.

Six in the fifth place

What befits the position of the great ruler. Good fortune.

Classical (Legge)What befits the position of the great ruler. There will be good fortune.

Six at the top

The advance is marked by generosity and sincerity. Good fortune, and no error.

Classical (Legge)The advance is marked by generosity and sincerity. There will be good fortune, and no error.

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