Other titles: Modesty, The Symbol of Humility, Moderation, Humbling, Respectful/Humble, Yielding/Retiring. 1. Obtaining this hexagram implies that modesty is needed in our attitude, meaning, to allow ourself to be led without resistance. – C.K. Anthony. 2. A Humble or modest person is thought of as having an “empty or unoccupied” mind, meaning a mind without prejudice. – Chung Wu. 3. Only superior people who practice Tao know where to stop, disregard what they have and appear to have nothing. – T. Cleary.
Judgment
Legge:Temperance indicates successful progress. Temperancebrings a good issue to the superior man's undertakings.
Wilhelm/Baynes: Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through.
Blofeld:Modesty brings success. The Superior Man is able to carry affairs through to completion.
Liu: Modesty: success. The superior man can continue to work to the end.
Ritsema/Karcher: Humbling, Growing. A chun tzu possesses completing. [This hexagram describes your situation in terms of the necessity to cut through pride and complication. It emphasizes that keeping your words unpretentious is the adequate way to handle it...]
Shaughnessy: Modesty: Receipt; the gentleman has an end.
Cleary (1):Humility is developmental. The superior person has a conclusion.
Cleary (2):Humility gets through. A leader has a conclusion.
Wu:Humility is pervasive. The jun zi will have grace in death.
The Image
Legge: A mountain hidden within the earth -- the image of Temperance. The superior man, in accordance with this, diminishes his excesses to augment his insufficiencies, thus creating a just balance.
Wilhelm/Baynes: Within the earth, a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much, and augments that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal.
Blofeld: This hexagram symbolizes a mountain in the centre of the earth. The Superior Man takes from where there is too much in order to augment what is too little. He weighs things and apportions them fairly. [The component trigrams symbolize a mountain surrounded by flat earth, thus suggesting too much in one place and too little in others.]
Liu: The mountain within the earth symbolizes modesty. The superior man reduces the excess and increases the lacking; he weighs and then equalizes all things.
Ritsema/Karcher: Earth center possessing mountain. Humbling. A chun tzu uses reducing the numerous to augment the few. A chun tzu uses evaluating beings to even spreading-out.
Cleary (1): There are mountains in the earth; modesty. Thus does the superior person decrease the abundant and add to the scarce, assessing things and dealing impartially.
Cleary (2): … Leaders assess people and give impartially, by taking from the abundant and adding to the scarce.
Wu: There is a mountain inside earth; this is Humility. Thus the jun zi takes excess from the more to enrich the less and measures goods to ensure fair distribution. [To prepare oneself to accept what is fair among all his fellow men is the essence of humility.]
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: It is the way of heaven to dispense its blessings downwards, and the way of earth to radiate its influence upwards. Both heaven and earth diminish the full to augment the lowly. Spiritual beings inflict calamity on the proud and bless the meek, and men resent ostentation and love temperance. Temperanceenlightens an honorable office, and neither will men ignore it in lowly positions. Thus does the superior man attain his ends. [Emphasis editor's -- Ritsema/Karcher translate "spiritual beings" [Kuei Shen] as: "The whole range of imaginal beings both inside and outside the individual; spiritual powers, gods, demons, ghosts, powers, fetishes.”]
Legge: An essay on temperance rightly follows that on abundant possessions. The third line, dynamic among five magnetic lines, in the topmost place of the trigram of Keeping Still, is the ruler of the hexagram. He is the representative of Temperance -- strong, but self-effacing. The idea is that temperance is the way to permanent success.
The Confucian commentary deals generally with the subject of temperance, showing how it is valued by heaven and earth, by spirits and by men. The descent of the heavenly influences, and the low position of the earth are both symbolic of temperance. The heavenly influences are seen in the daily fluctuations of the sun and moon, and the fertility of the earth correspondingly waxes and wanes with the seasons.
The Daily Lecture says:"The five yin lines above and below symbolize the earth; the one yang line in the center is the mountain in the midst of the earth. The many yin lines represent men's desires; the one yang line represents the heavenly principle. The superior man, looking at this symbolism, diminishes the multitude of human desires within him, and increases the single shoot of the heavenly principle; so does he become grandly just, and can deal with all things evenly according to the nature of each. In whatever circumstances or place he is, he will do what is right.”
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Judgment:Temperance means maintaining a dynamic/magnetic balance of forces to attain success.
The Superior Man maintains equilibrium in all that he does.
The most common translation of the title for this hexagram is Modesty, but I have chosen Temperance as a title more expressive of the ideas in the Image and Confucian commentary. The words “modesty” and “humility” often carry a connotation of weakness in western usage, and “temperance,” meaning to temper or regulate, is more expressive of the dynamic strength of will required to restrain and modulate the drive to dominate every situation.
The Image shows a mountain hidden beneath the earth--the quiet, invincible power of sheer will is hidden from view, yet it influences everything. Who observing such a level surface would know that the bulk of Mt. Everest was buried beneath it? Temperance means that one's power is hidden, that the fluctuations of heaven and earth are kept in such dynamic/magnetic balance as to be invisible to ordinary vision. The temperate person is strong enough to bear the weight of the world when that is necessary for the Work.
Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic Roman Emperor, was arguably the most powerful man of his time, yet his temperance and modesty showed him to fulfill the ideal of the superior man. Only the truly strong can be truly modest.
And let this truth be present to thee in the excitement of anger, that to be moved by passion is not manly, but that mildness and gentleness, as they are more agreeable to human nature, so also are they more manly; and he who possesses these qualities possesses strength, nerves and courage, and not the man who is subject to fits of passion and discontent. For in the same degree in which a man's mind is nearer to freedom from all passion, in the same degree also is it nearer to strength. Marcus Aurelius
Line 1
Legge: The first line, magnetic, shows us the superior man who adds temperance to his temperance. Even the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.
Wilhelm/Baynes: A superior man modest about his modesty may cross the great water. Good fortune.
Blofeld: The Superior Man, ever modest and retiring, fords the great river -- good fortune! [Any journey undertaken at this time will bring good fortune.]
Liu: The superior man is modest in his modesty. It is favorable to cross the great water. Good fortune.
Ritsema/Karcher: Humbling, Humbling: chun tzu. Availing-of wading the Great River. Significant.
Shaughnessy: So modest is the gentleman; herewith ford the great river; auspicious.
Cleary (1): Humble about humility, the superior person thereby crosses great rivers. This is auspicious.
Cleary (2): Extreme humility. It is fortunate if leaders use this to cross great rivers.
Wu: Being humble about his humility, the jun zi can make use of this virtue to cross the big river. It will be auspicious.
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: The superior man who adds temperance to his temperance is one who nourishes his virtue in lowliness. Wilhelm/Baynes: The superior man is lowly in order to guard himself well. Blofeld: He shows humility in disciplining himself. Ritsema/Karcher: Lowliness uses originating-from herding indeed. Cleary (2): In extreme humility, leaders manage themselves with lowliness. Wu: The jun zi uses humility for self-discipline.
Legge: A magnetic line at the lowest place in the figure is the fitting symbol of the superior man adding temperance to his temperance. The phrase "nourishes his virtue” in the Confucian commentary is literally: "pastures himself.” He is all temperance -- that is what makes him who he is.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: At the outset, the man retains his humility and does not press any claims. As a result he is free from challenges and does not encounter resistance. Difficult enterprises can be undertaken successfully.
Wing: If you can carry out your proposed endeavor quietly, competently, and thoroughly, without obvious announcements of your intentions, you can achieve even significant aims. With a modest and disciplined attitude, you do not create resistance or invite challenge.
Editor: Wilhelm translates the Confucian commentary in terms of lowliness as a technique of self-protection. Blofeld renders it as showing humility in one's self-discipline. Ritsema/Karcher render the verb MU, Herd, as: “tend cattle; watch over, superintend; ruler, teacher;” which recalls Legge's rendering of: "pastures himself.” The idea is to use the discipline of will to keep oneself under control. The line is conceptually a kind of "shadow” to line one of the following hexagram of Enthusiasm, which see. Sometimes it can have the meaning of "reserve” or "reservations,” as in "taking something with a grain of salt.”
The signs of one who is making progress are these: he censures no man, he praises no man, he blames no man, he accuses no man, he says nothing about himself as if he were somebody or knew something: when he is impeded at all or hindered, he blames himself ... he removes all desire from himself, and transfers aversion only to those things within his power which are contrary to nature: he employs a moderate movement towards every thing: whether he is considered foolish or ignorant, he cares not: and in a word he watches himself as if he were an enemy and lying in ambush. Epictetus
A. If you can maintain perspective, an advance is warranted.
B. A double portion of temperance: preserve your reserve, or your reservations about the matter at hand.
C. The ego undertakes responsibility for the Work with the full awareness that it is only the instrument of a higher intelligence within the psyche. This requires a servant's sense of reserve.
Line 2
Legge: The second line, magnetic, shows us temperance that has made itself recognized. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Wilhelm/Baynes: Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Blofeld: Modestly crows the cock. Righteous persistence brings good fortune.
Liu: Modesty is expressed. Continuing brings good fortune.
Shaughnessy: Calling modesty; determination is auspicious.
Cleary (1): Expressing humility is upright and good.
Cleary (2): Expressing humility is good if correct.
Wu: The subject rolls about humility. With perseverance there will be auspiciousness.
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: She has the virtue in the core of her heart. Wilhelm/ Baynes: He has it in the depths of his heart. Blofeld: The cry reaches the depths of our hearts. Ritsema/Karcher: Centering the heart acquiring indeed. Cleary (2): Good if correct in the sense of attainment of the heart. Wu: Because it comes from the heart.
Legge: Line two is magnetic, central, and in her proper place. She represents temperance that has "crowed” -- that is, has proclaimed itself.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: Modesty is at the core of the man's being and reveals itself in his outward behavior.
Wing: By maintaining a careful inner Moderation, your outward actions gain influence and weight. You will now be entrusted with responsibilities. A thoroughness in your actions brings good fortune.
Editor: Temperance that "crows” seems to be a contradiction in terms; nevertheless, the image suggests the expression of temperance in one's behavior. A certain sacrifice of autonomy is implied.
The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly, and then you will find favor with the Lord. Ecclesiasticus 3: 19
A. Submit to the requirements of the time.
B. "Modesty is the best policy."
C. Show a little temperance in your behavior, or maintain your temperate attitude.
Line 4
Legge: The fourth line, magnetic, shows one whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up the more her temperance.
Wilhelm/Baynes: Nothing that would not further modesty in movement.
Blofeld: Everything will be propitious for those who cultivate modesty.
Liu: To act with modesty is beneficial toward everything.
Ritsema/Karcher: Without not Harvesting, demonstrating Humbling.
Shaughnessy: There is nothing not beneficial. False modesty.
Cleary (1): Beneficial to all, extending humility.
Cleary (2): Beneficial to all, the exercise of humility.
Wu: Promoting humility is nothing but advantageous.
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: In doing this she does not act contrary to the proper rule. Wilhelm/Baynes: He does not overstep the rule. Blofeld: This involves no departure from what is right. Ritsema/Karcher: Not contradicting by-consequence indeed. Cleary (2): This is the way it is supposed to be. Wu: Because it violates no principle.
Legge: Line four is magnetic and in her proper place. She is sure to be successful and prosperous, but being so near the fifth-line ruler she should still use the greatest precaution. The "proper rule” is the rule proper for her in her circumstances so near the place of the ruler.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: The man maintains his modesty in the proper perspective. He does not avoid his responsibilities, abuse the ruler's confidence, or conceal the subordinate's merit.
Wing: Once the balance of true Moderation is reached, it must be continually maintained. This does not mean simply maintaining the form of Moderation, but continuing to cultivate equilibrium in your character and a sense of responsibility toward your society.
Editor: An unambiguous image of temperate action.
Modesty and humility are not signs of an inferiority complex. They are highly estimable, indeed admirable virtues and not complexes. They prove that their fortunate possessor is not a presumptuous fool but knows his limitations, and will therefore never stumble beyond the bounds of humanity, dazzled and intoxicated by his imagined greatness. Jung -- Depth Psychology and Self-Knowledge
A. Advance the Work through temperate, well-considered action, without exceeding your authority.
Autres titres : La Puissance du Grand, Le Symbole de la Grande Vigueur, Personnes de Grande Autorité, Grande Force, Grand Revigorant, Grande Maturité, Force Accumulée, La Force des Puissants, Pouvoir Juste, Force Excessive
Jugement
Legge :Grande Puissance nécessite une fermeté correcte.
Wilhelm/Baynes :La Puissance du Grand. La persévérance est bénéfique.
Blofeld : La Puissance du Grand. La persistance dans une voie juste apporte des récompenses. [Ce hexagramme avec un groupe solide de lignes fermes surmonté par un petit nombre de lignes cédantes signifie évidemment la force -- dans ce cas, le pouvoir de réussir malgré les difficultés. Une grande partie de ce qui suit concerne les chèvres -- un symbole probablement suggéré par la forme du hexagramme, à savoir un corps solide distingué par une paire de cornes -- les lignes cédantes au sommet.]
Liu : Grande Puissance. Il est bénéfique de continuer.
Ritsema/Karcher : Grand Revigorant, Récolte d'Épreuve. [Ce hexagramme décrit votre situation en termes de la puissance revigorante d'une idée créative centrale. Il souligne que l'animation de tout ce qui vous entoure par cette motivation directrice est la manière adéquate de la gérer. Pour être en accord avec le temps, on vous dit de revigorer par le grand !]
Shaughnessy : Grande Maturité : Bénéfique de déterminer.
Cleary(1) :Grande puissance est bénéfique lorsqu'elle est correcte.
Wu : Grande Force indique qu'il est avantageux d'être persévérant.
L'Image
Legge : L'image du tonnerre sur le ciel forme le hexagramme de Grande Puissance. L'homme supérieur, en accord avec cela, ne fait pas un pas qui ne soit pas conforme à la bienséance.
Wilhelm/Baynes : Tonnerre dans le ciel au-dessus : L'image de La Puissance du Grand. Ainsi l'homme supérieur ne marche pas sur des chemins qui ne sont pas conformes à l'ordre établi.
Blofeld : Ce hexagramme symbolise le tonnerre dans le ciel. L'Homme Supérieur ne fait jamais un pas impliquant l'impropriété. [Note : La combinaison des trigrammes signifiant tonnerre et ciel suggère quelque chose de la qualité impressionnante du véritable grand.]
Liu : Le tonnerre dans le ciel au-dessus symbolise Grande Puissance. La conduite de l'homme supérieur ne s'oppose pas aux règles.
Ritsema/Karcher : Tonnerre situé au-dessus du ciel. Grand Revigorant. Un chun tzu n'utilise aucun code, ne marche nulle part.
Cleary (1) : Le tonnerre est dans le ciel, avec grande puissance. Ainsi les personnes supérieures s'abstiennent de ce qui est impropre.
Cleary (2) : … Les personnes développées ne font pas ce qui est impropre.
Wu : Il y a du tonnerre au-dessus du ciel ; c'est Grande Force. Ainsi le jun zi ne pratique pas ce qui n'est pas correct.
COMMENTAIRE
Confucius/Legge : Dans Grande Puissance nous voyons ce qui est grand devenir fort. Le trigramme de la Force dirige le trigramme du Mouvement, et donc l'ensemble exprime la vigueur. Mais ce qui est grand nécessite une fermeté correcte. Les attributs du ciel et de la terre sont affichés lorsque la fermeté et la correction atteignent leur état idéal.
Legge : Parce que les lignes dynamiques prédominent dans Grande Puissance, la figure suggère un état dans lequel il y a une abondance de force et de vigueur. La force seule suffit-elle pour la conduite des affaires ? Bien sûr que non ! La force doit toujours être subordonnée à l'idée de droit, et exercée uniquement en harmonie avec elle.
Le trigramme inférieur symbolise la Force, le supérieur symbolise le Mouvement. Dans le commentaire confucéen, "ce qui est grand” désigne le groupe de quatre lignes dynamiques qui nous frappe en regardant la figure, et aussi les hommes supérieurs en positions de pouvoir, dont ceux-ci sont les représentants. Que les attributs du ciel et de la terre soient affichés signifie que le pouvoir des hommes devrait être un reflet de la grande puissance que nous voyons travailler impartialement dans la nature.
Ch'eng-tzu dit sur l'Image : "Le tonnerre roulant dans le ciel et faisant trembler toutes choses est le symbole de Grande Puissance." En rapportant son application à l'homme, il cite un beau dicton de l'antiquité : "L'homme fort est celui qui se surmonte lui-même."
NOTES ET PARAPHRASES
Jugement : Contrôlez-vous.
L'Homme Supérieur ne fait rien qui ne soit pas en accord avec les principes du Travail.
Wilhelm et Blofeld traduisent ce hexagramme par La Puissance du Grand., mais je préfère la version de Liu de Grande Puissance, car elle a une connotation plus neutre. La Puissance du Grand évoque la puissance des rois et des empereurs, et implique un pouvoir "supérieur" exercé à sa propre discrétion. Il est trop facile de mal interpréter ce hexagramme comme une injonction claire à prendre des mesures unilatérales. Cela est rarement le cas -- le hexagramme dépeint une charge d'énergie latente qui doit être correctement gérée.
La figure est généralement comparée à l'image d'un bélier ou d'une chèvre -- les quatre lignes dynamiques inférieures étant le corps, et les deux lignes magnétiques supérieures représentant les cornes. Puisque ce hexagramme est la figure précédente de Retraite renversée, on peut imaginer les deux ensemble comme une personne se retirant à travers un pâturage poursuivie par une bête en charge. Le bélier/chèvre est mentionné dans quatre des six lignes du hexagramme. C'est certainementGrande Puissance, mais sous une forme si brute qu'elle ne peut être véritablement appelée La Puissance du Grand.
Vraiment Grande Puissance, comme le Jugement nous le dit, est dérivée de notre volonté de restreindre nos émotions, instincts et appétits. Notez que les lignes deux et quatre sont les lignes les plus positivement puissantes du hexagramme et que toutes deux impliquent la retenue de la puissance comme la manière appropriée d'atteindre ses objectifs. Sans lignes changeantes, le hexagramme se réfère parfois à des provocations dans lesquelles on est "légitimement” tenté à une démonstration auto-justifiée de "puissance.” Rappelez-vous que les ego-trips des autres ne vous concernent pas : l'homme supérieur ne répond pas à eux autrement que par une réserve digne. Considérez cela comme un test et soyez joyeux si vous le réussissez !
Tout ce qui se trouve dans la littérature ultérieure semble indiquer que ces écoles méditatives exigeaient une forte discipline et une adhésion fidèle à un régime strict. Les écoles étaient extrêmement exigeantes, et n'étaient ouvertes qu'à ceux prêts à se dévouer totalement. Avant même d'être admis dans l'une de ces anciennes écoles méditatives, une personne devait être non seulement spirituellement avancée mais en contrôle complet de toutes ses émotions et sentiments. Au-delà de cela, les disciplines de la Torah et des commandements étaient centrales pour ces écoles, et ces disciplines nécessitaient un degré de maîtrise de soi auquel tout le monde ne pouvait aspirer. Aryeh Kaplan -- Méditation Juive