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.
Line 2
Legge: The second line, magnetic, shows us one who cleaves to the little boy, and lets go the man of age and experience.
Wilhelm/Baynes: If one clings to the little boy, one loses the strong man.
Blofeld: He belongs to (i.e. puts himself at the service of) the boy and thereby loses the adult. [The implied meaning is that he rejects what is superior and follows what is inferior.]
Liu: By staying with the boy, you lose the strong man.
Ritsema/Karcher: Tied-to the small son. Letting-go the respectable husband.
Shaughnessy: Tying the little son, losing the senior fellow.
Cleary (1): Involved with the child, one loses the adult.
Wu: She clings to her child, but loses her husband.
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: He cannot be with the two at the same time. Wilhelm/ Baynes: One cannot be with both at once. Blofeld: He cannot be of service to both of them. Ritsema/Karcher: Nowhere joining associating indeed. Cleary (2): One is not with both at once. Wu: Because she cannot have both.
Legge: Line two is magnetic. His proper correlate is the dynamic fifth line, but he prefers to cling to the line below him, instead of waiting to follow line five.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: The man surrounds himself with the incompetent and dismisses the experienced.
Wing: Examine your goals and the standards you have set for yourself. If they are unworthy, inferior, weak, or nonexistent, you will remain low, and you will lose contact with productive, competent, worthwhile influences. You are forced to make a choice.
Editor: The content of this line prevents using the usual gender symbolism. Nevertheless, the message is unambiguous.
Most people learn how to think as very young children, and throughout their adult lives, they do not think any differently than they did as children. That is to say, most people use their minds in a manner not essentially different from the way they did when they were six years old ... It is significant that in Kabbalah, one's normal mode of thinking is referred to as the "mentality of childhood." ... More advanced modes of thought and states of consciousness, on the other hand, are referred to as the "mentality of adulthood." Aryeh Kaplan -- Jewish Meditation
A. Immature attitudes preclude growth.
Line 3
Legge: The third line, magnetic, shows us one who cleaves to the man of age and experience, and lets go the little boy. Such following will get what it seeks, but it will be advantageous to adhere to firm correctness.
Wilhelm/Baynes: If one clings to the strong man, one loses the little boy. Through following one finds what one seeks. It furthers one to remain persevering.
Blofeld: He belongs to (i.e. is of service to) the adult and loses the boy. By following the former, he gains what he desires. It is advisable to make no move but to remain determined.
Liu: By staying with the strong man, you lose the boy. Through following, one will gain what one seeks. To continue benefits.
Ritsema/Karcher: Tied-to the respectable husband. Letting-go the small son. Following possessing seeking, acquiring. Harvesting: residing in Trial.
Shaughnessy: Tying the senior fellow, losing the little son; in following there is the seeking to get; beneficial to determine about dwelling.
Cleary (1): Involved with the adult, one loses the child. Following with an aim, one gains. It is beneficial to abide in rectitude.
Cleary (2): … It is good to remain correct.
Wu: She clings to her husband, but loses her child. Although she gets what she asks for, she will be privileged to remain persevering.
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: By the decision of his will, he abandons the youth below. Wilhelm/Baynes: One's will gives up the one below. Blofeld: He is willing to give up what is inferior. Ritsema/Karcher: Below, purpose stowed-away indeed. Cleary (2): One’s aspiration leaves the low behind. Wu: Because she has given up her aspiration to hold on to what is below.
Legge: Line three is magnetic, but follows the dynamic line above it, thus abandoning the first line. This is just the opposite of the situation of the second line. It is magnetic, however, and line four is not its proper correlate: hence the conclusion of the paragraph is equivalent to a caution.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: The man joins with superior people and parts company with the superficial and the inferior.
Wing: You will find yourself parting ways with former inferior elements in your life as you make contact with worthwhile persons or ideals. By firmly following the superior path you will find what you are looking for, while your strength of character will greatly benefit.
Editor: The context of this line prevents using the gender symbolism employed in this book. It is opposite in meaning to line two, and unambiguous.
The divine principle in man, which constitutes him a human being, and by which he is eminently distinguished from the animals, is not a product of the earth, nor is it generated by the animal kingdom, but it comes from God; it is God, and is immortal, because, coming from a divine source, it cannot be otherwise than divine. Man should therefore live in harmony with his divine parent, and not in the animal elements of his soul. Man has an Eternal Father who sent him to reside and gain experience in the animal principles, but not for the purpose of being absorbed in them. Paracelsus -- DeFundamento Sapientiae
A. The image suggests a growth in perception. One exchanges an immature belief or attitude for a mature one.
Line 5
Legge: The fifth line, dynamic, shows us the ruler sincere in fostering all that is excellent. There will be good fortune.
Wilhelm/Baynes: Sincere in the good. Good fortune.
Blofeld: Confidence is admirable -- good fortune! [ Confidence in the context of this hexagram implies perfect trust in those we follow.]
Liu: There is confidence in goodness. Good Fortune.
Confucius/Legge: His position is correct and in the center. Wilhelm/ Baynes: The place is correct and central. Blofeld: The suitable position of this line. Ritsema/Karcher: Situation correctly centering indeed. Cleary (2): Because the state is correctly balanced. Wu: Because his position is correct and central.
Legge: Line five is dynamic in his central and correct place, with line two as a proper correlate. Hence the auspicious symbolism.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: The ruler fosters excellence, which brings on good fortune.
Wing: If you sincerely insist upon the very best, the chances are that you will get it. Set your sights high. Good fortune.
Editor: Wilhelm points out that the ruler in line five "follows" the sage in line six, who represents the way of heaven -- or, in our terms, the ideals of the Work. When the "ruler" (psychologically in this case, the ego) follows the way of heaven (the Work), then his subjects (inner aspects) will follow him, and the kingdom (psyche) will prosper.
Everything that happens to us, properly understood, leads us back to ourselves; it is as though there were some unconscious guidance whose aim it is to deliver us from all ties and all dependence and make us dependent on ourselves. Jung --Letters
A. Your attitude is in accordance with the advancement of the Work.
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