Wiki I Ching

Wealth 14.2.3.5.6 17 Following

From
14
Wealth
To
17
Following

Organizing rescue
One meets one's friends to tell them how they can come to the aid.
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Wealth 14
Abundance is present.
Use your resources wisely and share generously.
Celebrate success with humility and grace, knowing that true wealth comes from balance and integrity.


Line 2
Preparedness and capability allow for successful undertakings.


Line 3
Generosity and nobility of spirit are rewarded, beyond the reach of the small-minded.


Line 5
Being open and honest while maintaining dignity brings good fortune.


Line 6
Divine favor and alignment with higher principles ensure success in all endeavors.


Following 17
Flow with changes, adapt to circumstances, and align with others for mutual support.



Original Readings

14
Wealth


Other titles: Possession in Great Measure, The Symbol of Great Possession, Sovereignty, Great Having, Great Possessing, The Great Possessor, Great Wealth, Abundance, Having What is Great, "Often means things other than material possessions or achievement. Count your blessings for they are many." -- D.F. Hook

 

Judgment

Legge:Wealth means great progress and success.

Wilhelm/Baynes:Possession in Great Measure. Supreme success.

Blofeld: He who possesses much -- supreme success!

Liu: Great Possessions. Great Success.

Ritsema/Karcher: Great Possessing, Spring Growing. [This hexagram describes your situation in terms of your relation to an overriding concern or central idea. It emphasizes that organizing all your efforts around this idea is the adequate way to handle it...]

Shaughnessy: The Great Possession: Prime receipt.

Cleary (1): In great possession are creation and development.

Cleary (2): Great possession is great success.

Wu: Great Wealth is primordial and pervasive.

 

The Image

Legge: Fire over Heaven -- the image of Wealth. The superior man represses evil and nurtures virtue in accordance with the benevolent will of heaven.

Wilhelm/Baynes: Fire in heaven above: the image of Possession in Great Measure. Thus the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, and thereby obeys the benevolent will of heaven.

Blofeld: This hexagram symbolizes fire in the heavens. [When the trigram for heaven is above, whatever is below may be separated from it; when it is below, it indicates fusion or intermixture with what is above. The significance here is that the splendor of a very great man lights up the heavens.] The Superior Man suppresses those who are evil and upholds the virtuous. Most gladly he accords with heaven and carries out its commands.

Liu: Fire over heaven symbolizes Great Possessions. The superior man suppresses evil and honors virtue, and thus follows the will of heaven and waits upon destiny.

Ritsema/Karcher: Fire located above heaven. Great Possessing. A chun tzu uses terminating hate to display improvement. A chun tzu uses yielding-to heaven to relinquish fate.

Cleary (1): Fire is in the sky;great possession.Thus does the superior person stop evil and promote good, obeying heaven and accepting its order.

Cleary (2): … Leaders obey nature and accept its order by stopping the bad and promoting the good.

Wu: Fire above and heaven below form Great Wealth.Thus the jun zi suppresses the evil and promotes the good; he abides by the will of heaven to enrich his life.

 

COMMENTARY

Confucius/Legge:Wealth shows the magnetic line in the central ruler's place, and honored by the dynamic lines above and below. The figure is composed of the trigrams of Strength and Clarity. The central line of Clarity responds to the central line of Strength, eventuating in timely action. This indicates great progress and success.

Legge: Wealth means "great havings," and symbolizes a kingdom, family or individual in a state of prosperity. The danger in such a position arises from the pride it is likely to engender. Here however, everything is against that: the place of honor is occupied by a magnetic line, so that the ruler will be humble, and all the dynamic lines will respond to her with sympathetic allegiance. The ruler's seat is in the central position of the trigram of Clarity, and hence her strength is directed by intelligence, and all her actions are timely, like the seasons of heaven.

Fire above the sky shines far -- symbolizing the vastness of the territory of wealth. To develop virtue and repress evil is in accordance with the will of heaven, which has given to all men a nature fitted for goodness.

Cleary (2): All states of being have this essence inherent in them and are indeed made of this essence, but all states other than that of complete enlightenment are out of harmony with this essence in some way. Buddhahood is when you accord with this essence.

Wu: As the sun shines brightly high in the sky, both the good and the bad will be exposed. The responsibility of the jun zi is to discriminate between them. He acts in accordance with the nature of goodness (the will of heaven) to enrich his life.

 

NOTES AND PARAPHRASES

Judgment: The greatest kind of Wealth accrues from furthering the Work.

The Superior Man manages his forces in accordance with the goals of the Work.

Wealthis the inverse of the preceding figure, Union of Forces. If the thirteenth hexagram depicts a process of uniting, the fourteenth might be seen as the completion of that process. To have one's inner forces correctly united is indeed Possession in Great Measure, which is the title that Wilhelm gives to this figure.

It is emphasized in the Image that this Wealth must be administered in accordance with the "benevolent will of heaven,” which is to say: the principles of the Work must always guide one's choices if one is not to lose equilibrium and become pauperized by illusion.

The superior man considers a rich possession of moral principles to be honor, and peace in his person to be wealth.
Chou Tun-I


Line 2

Legge: The second line, dynamic, shows a large wagon with its load. In whatever direction advance is made, there will be no error.

Wilhelm/Baynes: A big wagon for loading. One may undertake something. No blame.

Blofeld: There are large supply wagons. [Apparently we need not fear failure through lack of resources.] If there is some desired goal (or destination), setting out (to attain it) will involve no error.

Liu: Loading the big wagon. Undertaking without blame. [One can expect to achieve his undertaking and acquire property.]

Ritsema/Karcher: The great chariot used to carry. Possessing directed going. Without fault.

Shaughnessy: The great cart is used to carry; there is someplace to go; there is no trouble.

Cleary (1): Using a great car for transport, when there is a place to go there is no fault.

Cleary (2): Using a large car for transport, there is a place to go, etc.

Wu: To haul in a cart to a certain destination is without fault.

 

COMMENTARY

Confucius/Legge: This refers to the virtue accumulated by the subject of the line, so that he will suffer no loss in the conduct of affairs. Wilhelm/ Baynes: Accumulating in the middle; thus no harm results. Blofeld: Some place where supplies have been accumulated will escape from danger. Ritsema/Karcher: Amassing centering, not destroying indeed. Cleary (2): If the load is balanced you will not fail. Wu: Means to accumulate at the center with no failure.

Legge: The dynamic second line has his proper correlate in the fifth line ruler of the figure, and will subordinate his strength to his humility.

 

NOTES AND PARAPHRASES

Siu: Accumulated virtues and competent helpers enable the man to assume great responsibilities. Like a huge wagon ready for loading, he subordinates strength to humility.

Wing: You not only have tremendous resources to work with, but you also possess the wherewithal to coordinate these assets and make them work for you. Such ingenuity will allow you to fearlessly attempt ambitious endeavors.

Editor: A wagon is a "vessel" which contains something as well as a vehicle which can go somewhere. Thus the image suggests the power to accomplish a task or reach a goal.

If a man worships the Self only as his true state, his work does not perish, for whatever he desires that he gets from that Self.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

A. The image favors progress in furthering the Work.

B. A receptive vehicle.

C. An accumulation of virtue permits progress.

Line 3

Legge: The third line, dynamic, shows us a feudal prince presenting his offerings to the Son of Heaven. An inferior man would be unequal to such a duty.

Wilhelm/Baynes: A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven. A petty man cannot do this.

Blofeld: A prince may win rewards from his emperor, but this is beyond an ordinary man's power.

Liu: A duke makes an offering to the emperor. The inferior man is unable to do this.

Ritsema/Karcher: A prince availing-of Growing, tending- towards heavenly sonhood. Small People nowhere controlling.

Shaughnessy: The duke uses aromatic grass to the Son of Heaven; the little man is not capable of it.

Cleary (1): The work of barons serves the son of heaven. Petty people are incapable of this.

Cleary (2): Impartial action gets through to the ruler. Small people, etc.

Wu: A duke has the honor of dining with the king. The little man is unworthy of the honor.

 

COMMENTARY

Confucius/Legge: An inferior man in such a position does himself harm. Wilhelm/Baynes: A petty man harms himself. Blofeld: The little man would only harm himself in the attempt. [This omen suggests that a great goal can be won only by someone very powerful or distinguished; others would be well advised not to attempt it.]Ritsema/Karcher: Small People harmful indeed. Cleary (2): Small people would be harmed. Wu: This will be unfitting to the little man.

Legge: Line three is dynamic in a correctly dynamic place. The top line of the lower trigram is the proper place for a feudal lord. He will humbly serve the condescending ruler in the fifth place. An inferior man in the same position, but without the virtue, would give himself airs.

 

NOTES AND PARAPHRASES

Siu: The superior man places his property and talents at the service of the ruler and the public. The inferior man employs them for his own gain.

Wing: A superior-minded person will place his talents or resources at the disposal of his leader or his community. Through this type of open generosity he is benefited, for he is loyally supported in turn. A lesser man cannot do this.

Editor: This line is often received under painful conditions in which a sacrifice of some kind is demanded. Blofeld and Wu’s versions differ conceptually from the other translators, and may be considered eccentric unless the matter under question supports their interpretations.

Whether your task demands abject poverty of you or gives you the greatest wealth, you must always remember that nothing, absolutely nothing, ever or anywhere really belongs to you. On the contrary, everything is God’s property, and from his property you receive something only for your actual needs, corresponding to your task. Just as it's a matter of indifference to a canal whether more or less water flows through it, because the water doesn't belong to it, you too must regard everything fate gives you as something that comes to you from God, and something you must pass on.
Elisabeth Haich --Initiation

A. Sacrifice your ego-autonomy for the good of the Work. This is impossible for one who has not advanced beyond his own narrow self-interest.

B. A superior man's meat is an inferior man's poison.

C. A difficult sacrifice is called for.

Line 5

Legge: The fifth line, magnetic, shows the sincerity of its subject reciprocated by that of all the others represented in the hexagram. Let her display a proper majesty, and there will be good fortune.

Wilhelm/Baynes: He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified, has good fortune.

Blofeld: His sense of confidence enables him to be sociable and well respected. A dignified bearing is an asset (literally, good fortune).

Liu: One is confident, sociable, and dignified. Good fortune. [Proud or aggressive actions will cause trouble. One should not be hasty but wait for the proper opportunity to act.]

Ritsema/Karcher: Your conforming: mingling thus, impressing thus. Significant.

Shaughnessy: His return is crossed-like, stooped-like; in the end it is auspicious.

Cleary (1): The trust is mutual. Power is auspicious.

Cleary (2): … It is fortunate to be awesome.

Wu: His sincerity matches the confidence the people place in him. His majesty matches the authority the people accord him. This will be auspicious.

 

COMMENTARY

Confucius/Legge: Her sincerity is reciprocated by all the others because it serves to stir and call out what is in their minds. Without a display of proper majesty they might otherwise feel too easy, and make no preparation to serve her. Wilhelm/Baynes: By his trustworthiness he kindles the will of others. The good fortune of his dignity comes from the fact that he acts easily, without prearrangements. Blofeld: His good fortune in winning the respect of others enables him to make changes without prior preparation. [This means that we shall be trusted even if we act unexpectedly.] Ritsema/Karcher: Trustworthiness uses shooting-forth purpose indeed. Impressing thus, having significance. Versatility and-also without preparing indeed. Cleary (2): Aspirations are aroused through faith ... Ease and freedom from preparation. Wu: His sincerity is to pursue what he sets out to do … Auspiciousness comes from simplicity and unpretentiousness.

Legge: Line five symbolizes the ruler. Mild sincerity is good in her, and influences her ministers and others. But a ruler must not be without an awe-inspiring majesty.

 

NOTES AND PARAPHRASES

Siu: The man and his people are mutually attracted to each other through unaffected sincerity. Benevolence on his part, however, must be accompanied by the proper display of majesty. Otherwise, the people will become insolent and lose their attitude of service.

Wing: Those whom you may influence are attracted to you through the bond of sincerity. Thus a truthful relationship exists. If you are overly familiar, however, attitudes may become too casual to get things accomplished. A dignified approach brings good fortune.

Editor: Psychologically, this line expresses the idea that the will of the ego to maintain the letter and spirit of the Work creates a climate of compliance among the other complexes within the psyche.

Whatever a great man does, that others follow;

Whatever he sets up as a standard, that the world follows.

Bhagavad-Gita 3: 21

A. A good example evokes virtue.

B. The ego is sincere yet firm with the psychic forces under its influence.

C. The image suggests a reciprocity of forces -- you get as good as you give.

Line 6

Legge: The sixth line, dynamic, shows its subject with help accorded to him from Heaven. There will be good fortune, advantage in every respect.

Wilhelm/Baynes: He is blessed by heaven. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further.

Blofeld: Those under heaven's protection enjoy good fortune and success in everything. [The top line of a very favorable hexagram is sometimes taken to symbolize heaven. Whoever receives (this line) may expect utmost success.]

Liu: One is blessed by heaven. Good fortune. Benefit in everything.

Ritsema/Karcher: Originating-from heaven shielding it. Significant, without not Harvesting.

Shaughnessy: From heaven blessing it; auspicious; there is nothing not beneficial.

Cleary (1): Help from heaven is auspicious, unfailingly beneficial.

Cleary (2): Good fortune that is a blessing from heaven is beneficial to all.

Wu: With blessings from heaven, there will be good fortune and nothing disadvantageous.

 

COMMENTARY

Confucius/Legge: Good fortune arises from the help of heaven. Wilhelm/ Baynes: The place at the top of Possession in Great Measure has good fortune. This is because it is blessed by heaven. Blofeld: The great good fortune presaged by this line is that of being specially protected by heaven. Ritsema/Karcher: Great Possessing the above: significant. Originating-from heaven shielding indeed. Cleary (2): A blessing from heaven. Wu: The blessings come from heaven.

Legge: Even the topmost line takes its character from line five. His strength is still tempered, and heaven gives its approval.

 

NOTES AND PARAPHRASES

Siu: The man attains the fullness of blessings. He recognizes the bases for the favorable state of affairs, remains devoted in his actions, and honors the sage who exerted the beneficent influence.

Wing: Here lies the potential for great blessings and good fortune. Know how to keep things in balance; be devoted in your endeavors and openly appreciative to those who help you. In this way you might expect supreme success.

Editor: Of all the lines and hexagrams in the I Ching, this is one of the most favorable combinations that one can receive. If it is the only changing line, the hexagram of Wealth is transformed into the thirty-fourth hexagram of Great Power -- a most energetic combination of images.

I cannot define for you what God is. I can only say that my work has proved empirically that the pattern of God exists in every man, and that this pattern has at its disposal the greatest of all his energies for transformation and transfiguration of his natural being.
Jung -- Letters

A. "God is on your side."

17
Following


Other titles: According With, Acquiring Followers, Adapting, Adjusting, To Accord With, To Accompany, Concordance, Conformance to The Work, "Learn to serve in order to rule. Quit the old ways." -- D.F. Hook

 

Judgment

Legge: Following indicates successful progress and no error through firm correctness.

Wilhelm/Baynes: Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.

Blofeld:Following. Sublime success! Righteous persistence brings reward -- no error! [This sublime success comes, of course, only to those who follow what is right, namely the will of heaven or of those whose own will embodies it.]

Liu:Following. Great success. It is of benefit to continue. No blame.

Ritsema/Karcher: Following. Spring Growing Harvesting Trial.

Without fault. [This hexagram describes your situation in terms of being impelled or drawn into moving forward. It emphasizes that yielding to the impulse by accepting guidance is the adequate way to handle it. To be in accord with the time, you are told to: follow!]

Shaughnessy:Following: Prime receipt; beneficial to determine; there is no trouble.

Cleary (1):Following is greatly developmental: it is beneficial if correct; then there is no fault.

Cleary (2): Following is very successful, etc.

Wu: Following is primordial, pervasive, prosperous, and persevering. There will be no blame.

 

The Image

Legge: Thunder in the marsh: the image of Following. The superior man, in accordance with this, at nightfall enters his house and rests.

Wilhelm/Baynes: Thunder in the middle of the lake: the image of Following. Thus the superior man at nightfall goes indoors for rest and recuperation.

Blofeld: This hexagram symbolizes thunder rumbling within a swamp! When darkness falls, the Superior Man goes within and rests peacefully. [The component trigrams can be read as thunder and marsh, but also as movement and joy. In the Book of Change, joy is frequently associated with willing obedience to and glad acceptance of what is right.]

Liu: Thunder in the lake symbolizesFollowing. In the evening, the superior man rests and relaxes in his home.

Ritsema/Karcher: Marsh center possessing thunder. Following. A chun tzu uses turning-to darkening to enter a reposing pause.

Cleary (1): There is thunder in the lake, Following. Thus do superior people go inside and rest when the sun goes down.

Cleary (2): … Leaders go in and rest at sundown.

Wu: Thunder in the marsh is the symbol of Following. Thus the jun zi retires toward the twilight of the day.

 

COMMENTARY

Confucius/Legge: In Followingthe dynamic trigram places itself under the magnetic. We see in them the attributes of Movement and Pleasure. Through firm correctness all under heaven will be found following at such a time.

Legge: Following comes after Enthusiasm, the symbol of harmony and satisfaction. When these conditions prevail men are sure to follow. The hexagram includes the ideas of both following others and being followed by others.(Emphasis mine, Ed.) The good auspice is due to this flexibility, but in either instance the following must be guided by a reference to what is correct. The lower trigram of Movement represents the eldest son, and the upper trigram of Pleasure represents the youngest daughter. The strong places itself under the weak -- esteeming others higher than himself, and giving the idea of following. The union of Movement with Pleasure suggests the same idea.

 

NOTES AND PARAPHRASES

Judgment: Following means advancement through willpower.

The Superior Man rests on his inner virtue.

In Following, the trigram of Movement "follows" the trigram of Cheerfulness: independent action subordinates itself and allows itself to be led by cheerful obedience. In terms of the Work, this symbolizes our willingness to "follow" or adhere to its principles. Psychologically interpreted, Followingmeans the compliant subordination of ego-autonomy to the Great Work of psychic integration.

Blofeld points out that the trigram of Joy, or Cheerfulness is often associated with "willing obedience to and glad acceptance of what is right." Hence the cheerful following of the intent of the Self. He explains the role of the superior man in the Image as: "It is not hard to see the connection between following and resting peacefully; for, once we have given our allegiance to others [the Self], we no longer have to worry about what should be done."

At seventy ... Confucius allowed his mind to follow whatever it desired, yet everything he did was naturally right of itself. His actions no longer needed a conscious guide. He was acting without effort. This represents the last stage in the development of the sage.
Fung Yu-Lan -- A Short History of Chinese Philosophy

When received without changing lines this hexagram often takes the meaning of: "To accord with" -- in such instances the answer is an affirmation to your query.