Xian
䷞ Gen below, Dui above
The Book of Changes
The Xian Hexagram: Penetrating. Favorable to uphold correctness. Taking a wife brings good fortune.
First Six: The influence reaches the big toe.
Second Six: The influence reaches the calf. Misfortune; to dwell in peace brings good fortune.
Third Nine: The influence reaches the thighs. Firmly following another; to go forward brings distress.
Fourth Nine: To uphold correctness brings good fortune; regret vanishes. Restless coming and going; friends will follow your thoughts.
Fifth Nine: The influence reaches the flesh of the back; no regret.
Top Six: The influence reaches the jaw, cheeks, and tongue.
The Commentary on the Judgment says:
Xian means influence. The yielding is above and the firm is below; the two qi of yin and yang influence and respond to each other, resting in propriety and joy. The man places himself beneath the woman, therefore it is penetrating, favorable to uphold correctness, and taking a wife brings good fortune. Heaven and earth influence each other, and the myriad things are transformed and born. The sage influences people's hearts, and the world attains peace and harmony. Observe the way of influence, and the conditions of heaven, earth, and all things can be manifested!
The Commentary on the Images says:
A mountain with a marsh on top—this is the image of the Xian hexagram. The superior person, accordingly, receives others with an open and humble heart.
"The influence reaches the big toe"—the aspiration is directed outward.
"Though there is misfortune, to dwell in peace brings good fortune"—following what is fitting brings no harm.
"The influence reaches the thighs"—this also means not being able to dwell in peace. The mind is set on following another, and what is held to is a lowly path.
"To uphold correctness brings good fortune; regret vanishes"—there has been no experience of harm. "Restless coming and going"—it has not yet become broad and bright.
"The influence reaches the flesh of the back"—the aspiration is shallow and trivial.
"The influence reaches the jaw, cheeks, and tongue"—this is speaking empty words.