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Hexagram Sixty-two—Predominance of Meekness

Hexagram Sixty-two prescribes an attitude of meekness in ordinary situations. Special situations may require strength, but meekness is the correct attitude most days.

The first line, yin, describes a situation that cannot be changed, where it is better to accept inconvenience with a peaceful mind. The image is a bird that flies freely in the sky, but tries to fly to greater and greater heights until the issue is pressed too far.

The second line, yin, shows one following the conventions of society, or staying within the bounds of what is normal. The comparison is made to a grandchild who cannot find the grandfather, but accepts the word of the grandmother; or a citizen who cannot find the ruler, but accepts the word of the minister.

The third line, yang, shows that despite keeping a meek attitude, it is wise to take precautions to protect oneself.

The fourth line, yang, explains that in a crisis situation, one can only do their best and no more. It is dangerous to go forward, but certain situations cannot be prevented.

The fifth line, yin, suggests the idea of trouble that comes of its own accord, just as clouds may have already formed on the western horizon. The advice to the subject is to his or her business and take shelter.

The sixth line, yin, warns against trying to change things that cannot be changed. The example is given of a bird that flies too high into an oncoming storm. The bird's extreme effort will only bring unnecessary self-injury.


Hexagram Sixty-two Commentary

This hexagram explains the meaning of meekness. Being meek is different from being lax or lazy. Meekness is the quality of acceptance and flow that suits most situations. Some situations require heavy lifting, but the hexagram recommends conserving strength and only using it when necessary.

The first line, yin, shows a situation that is inconvenient, but there's nothing the subject can do at the moment. Remaining gentle and quiet, it is easier to remain peaceful and accept the situation. The opposite would be to fly up against the situation and push to make it change. Sometimes pressure can help, but not in a situation that calls for meekness. The metaphor is of a bird that flies freely, but runs into trouble if it tries to fly higher and higher "until the issue is pressed too far."

The subject of the second line, yin, remains meek by staying within the bounds of what is normal. Even though a situation is inconvenient, it is better to follow conventions. It's like accepting what is best when it's not a big deal. The metaphor is of a grandchild who cannot find its grandfather, but will listen to the word of the grandmother, or a citizen who cannot contact the ruler, but will accept the word of the minister.

The third line, yang, explains that besides meekness, it helps to cultivate other traits and resources to protect oneself. Meekness is the basis for building up one's strength and ability to handle difficult situations.

The fourth line, yang, advises the subject to do his or her best in a crisis situation. Nobody can be completely prepared, but a crisis situation demands the subject to go forward anyway. The subject learns to do their duty without attachment to the results.

The fifth line, yin, explains there may be no reason why trouble comes. Sometimes it appears on its own, just like clouds that have already formed on the western horizon. The meek answer to situations maybe be simply, finish up any pending business and take shelter.

The sixth line, yin, emphasizes again, if a situation cannot be changed, it's better to be meek and not try to fight it. It offers a metaphor similar to the one in the first line, of a bird that flies too high, and presses too hard. In this example it says the bird is trying to fly into an oncoming storm, and "the bird's extreme effort will only bring unnecessary self-injury."





To the reader: Most of the hexagrams have at least one line that predicts bad results, but that does NOT mean you are fated to that result. The hexagrams illustrate different attitudes, so study the actions and reactions to learn the attitudes that will lead to better outcomes.

The I Ching teaches you to flow with changes and create positive change from the inside through conscious living. Your future is in your hands. Consult the I Ching for ideas that lead to clear thinking and positive mental attitude. Reading the I Ching helps you take the time to reflect on your attitudes and ideas. Continue asking until you feel positive about your course.


Click here for another hexagram.





A note about this interpretation of the I Ching: Nori Muster wrote this version of the I Ching in 1994 and put it online at Surrealist.org in 2000. It is also available at Amazon:
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