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 1
Legge: The first line, dynamic, shows us one changing the object of his pursuit; if he is firmly correct there will be good fortune. Going beyond his own gate to find associates, he will achieve merit.
Wilhelm/Baynes: The standard is changing. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out of the door in company produces deeds.
Blofeld: Those in power undergo a change -- righteous determination brings good fortune! Going forth from home and mingling with those outside will produce tangible results.
Liu: One's position is changing. To continue brings good fortune. Both friends and business are gained by going out. Success.
Ritsema/Karcher: An office: possessing denial. Trial: significant. Issuing-forth from the gate, mingling possesses achievement.
Shaughnessy: The office perhaps notifies; determination is auspicious; going out of the gate to interact has results.
Cleary (1): Standards change; it is good to be correct. Going outside and mixing is effective.
Cleary (2): … Interaction outside the gate is successful.
Wu: The way of conducting public affairs is subject to change. Perseverance will bring good fortune. Success can be had by communicating with people from without.
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legg e: He will not fail in the method he pursues. Wilhelm/
Baynes: To follow what is correct brings good fortune. One does not lose oneself. Blofeld: The first sentence presages the good fortune derived from officials undergoing a change of heart and following what is right. The tangible results mentioned at the end of the passage imply that we shall not fail. Ritsema/Karcher: Adhering-to correcting significant indeed. Not letting-go indeed. Cleary (2): It is good to follow what is right …In the sense of not losing. Wu: Because following what is correct is auspicious … Because his position is not compromised.
Legge: The dynamic first line is the lord of the lower trigram. The magnetic lines ought to follow him, but he is beneath them in the lowest place in the figure. This suggests that he should change his pursuit. Because of his strength and correct position, he will be fortunate in this. Going beyond his gate for associates shows public spirit and an absence of selfish motivation.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: At the outset, the man changes his objectives. He will succeed if he remains firm in principle and goes beyond selfish considerations to mingle freely with those who do not share his feelings, as well as those who do.
Wing: A change is occurring, whether in your own objectives or in the situation around you. In order to accomplish something you should now communicate with persons of all persuasions and opinions. Yet remain internally principled and discerning.
Editor: Psychologically, an inner transformation is taking place. If this is the only moving line, hexagram number forty-five, Contraction, is created, so a (possibly unconscious) re-arrangement of attitudes and perceptions is suggested. To "go beyond one's own gate" implies a need to expand your horizons during a shift in the balance of forces.
When I reached thirty I looked back on my past. The previous victories were not due to my having mastered strategy. Perhaps it was natural ability, or the order of heaven, or that other schools' strategy was inferior. After that I studied morning and evening searching for the principle, and came to realize the Way of Strategy when I was fifty. Miyamoto Musashi -- A Book of Five Rings
A. Change your focus, marshal your forces, and seek wider horizons.
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 4
Legge: The fourth line, dynamic, shows us one followed and obtaining adherents. Though he is firm and correct, there will be evil. If he is sincere however in his course, and make that evident, into what error will he fall?
Wilhelm/Baynes: Following creates success. Perseverance brings misfortune. To go one's way with sincerity brings clarity. How could there be blame in this?
Blofeld: Following someone with an ulterior motive -- persisting in this course would bring misfortune. But, if as he goes his way he makes sincerity his beacon, what harm can come to him?
Liu: Success is gained by following. But to continue brings misfortune. Going the correct way leads to glory (brightness). How can there be blame?
Ritsema/Karcher: Following possessing catching. Trial: pitfall. Possessing conformity, locating-in tao uses brightening. Wherefore faulty? [Possessing conformity: "Inner and outer are in accord; confidence of the spirits has been captured..."]
Shaughnessy: In following there is a catch; determination is inauspicious. There is a return on the way; at the end of brightness, what trouble is there?
Cleary (1): Following has gain. Even if right, it is inauspicious. Truthfully remaining on the path, using understanding, what blame is there?
Cleary (2): Following gains, but it bodes ill even if right. Having faith in the way, thereby understanding, what fault is there?
Wu: To have a following may be advantageous. Despite perseverance, it will be foreboding. With confidence in his course, he can explain his intention. What blame can there be?
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: "He is followed and obtains adherents" -- according to the idea of the hexagram, this is evil. "He is sincere in his course" -- showing his intelligence, and leading to achievement. Wilhelm/Baynes: This bodes misfortune...This brings clear-sighted deeds. Blofeld: Following others with ulterior motives is surely evil; whereas sincerity along the way produces brilliant results. Ritsema/Karcher: One's righteousness: pitfall indeed... Brightening achieving indeed. Cleary (2): When following gains, the meaning is inauspicious. Having faith in the way, the understanding is successful. Wu: With confidence in his course, he can be successful.
Legge: Line four is dynamic, and in the place of a minister next to the ruler in line five. His having adherents will be injurious to the authority of the supreme ruler, and only sincere loyalty will save him from error and misfortune.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: The man acquires followers who flatter, scheme, and act subservient to seek personal gains. There is a chance that he will become dependent on them because of gratifying associations, which will detract from his authority in his position of influence. He must see through such adherents and free himself from egotistical encumbrances.
Wing: Those whom you appear to influence actually have ulterior motives in their allegiance to you. Look beyond the current flattering situation into your original principled aim. Strive to act independently.
Editor: The line is a clear warning about being corrupted by the projections of others. Viewed objectively, the ego is only a temporary personality created for the purpose of transforming psychic energy – a transitional tool or vessel emanated into matter by the Self for one brief lifetime. It is only a servant--never a master. Long dedication to the Work can concentrate power which the ego may be tempted to use for its own benefit--a dangerous seduction which can only harm the Work.
By permitting credulous and vulgar admirers to congregate about thee, there is liability of falling into the error of becoming puffed up with worldly pride. Guru Gampopa --Precepts of the Gurus
A. Don't let power go to your head. Sincerity prevents ego-trips.
B. Beware of elements which would distract you from the Work. That which seems "reasonable" is often just the voice of a demon: a temptation for the misuse of power.
C. What worked previously is now obsolete. A new strategy is now appropriate.
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 : Le Symbole de l'Élévation et de l'Avancement, Ascension, Promotion, Croissance Organique
Jugement
Legge : Pousser vers le Haut signifie un progrès réussi. Ne vous inquiétez pas de rencontrer le grand homme. Une avancée vers le sud est favorable.
Wilhelm/Baynes : Pousser vers le Haut a un succès suprême. Il faut voir le grand homme. N'ayez pas peur. Partir vers le sud apporte de la bonne fortune.
Blofeld : Ascension. Succès suprême ! Il est essentiel de voir un grand homme, afin de bannir l'anxiété. Progresser vers le sud apporte de la bonne fortune.
Liu : Ascension. Grand succès. On devrait voir un grand homme. Sans peur. Une expédition vers le sud mène à la bonne fortune.
Ritsema/Karcher : Ascension, Croissance de Printemps. Il est avantageux de visualiser de Grandes Personnes. Pas de soucis. Le Sud, châtier significatif. [Ce hexagramme décrit votre situation en termes de montée à un niveau supérieur. Il souligne que fixer un objectif plus élevé et y travailler étape par étape est la manière adéquate de le gérer. Pour être en accord avec le temps, on vous dit de : monter !]
Shaughnessy : Ascension : Réception primordiale ; bénéfique de voir le grand homme. Ne pas avoir pitié. Pour la campagne du sud, auspice.
Cleary(1) : Élévation est grandement développementale ; elle appelle à voir une grande personne, ainsi il n'y aura pas de chagrin. Une expédition vers le sud apporte de la bonne fortune.
Cleary (2) : Élévation est très réussie, etc.
Wu : Ascension indique une grande pénétration. Il sera utile de voir le grand homme. Pas d'anxiété. Il sera de bon augure d'aller vers le sud.
L'Image
Legge : Le bois poussant dans la terre -- l'image de Pousser vers le Haut. L'homme supérieur accumule de petits incréments de vertu jusqu'à ce qu'elle devienne haute et grande.
Wilhelm/Baynes : Dans la terre, le bois pousse : l'image de Pousser vers le Haut. Ainsi l'homme supérieur de caractère dévoué amasse de petites choses pour réaliser quelque chose de haut et grand.
Blofeld : Ce hexagramme symbolise les arbres poussant vers le haut depuis la terre. L'Homme Supérieur s'accorde volontiers avec les voies vertueuses ; en partant de petites choses, il accumule un grand tas de mérite.
Liu : Le bois pousse dans la terre, symbolisant Ascension. L'homme supérieur consacre sa vertu à construire des choses du petit au haut et grand.
Ritsema/Karcher : Centre de la terre donnant naissance au bois. Ascension. Un chun tzu utilise le cédant pour actualiser-tao. Un chun tzu utilise l'amassement du petit pour utiliser le haut grand.
[Actualiser-tao : ...capacité à suivre le cours tracé par le processus continu du cosmos... Lié à acquérir, TE : acquérir ce qui fait qu'un être devient ce qu'il est censé être.]
Cleary (1) : Les arbres poussent sur la terre, élévation. Ainsi les personnes supérieures suivent la vertu, accumulant le petit à la grandeur élevée.
Wu : Les arbres poussent de la terre ; c'est Ascension. Ainsi le Jun zi cultive diligemment ses vertus petit à petit pour devenir grand et large comme des arbres qui poussent.
COMMENTAIRE
Confucius/Legge : La ligne magnétique monte comme l'occasion le permet. Nous avons Flexibilité, Obéissance et une ligne dynamique en dessous avec son corrélat magnétique au-dessus : cela signifie un progrès réussi. Voir le grand homme -- sa volonté est accomplie dans le sud.
Legge : Le caractère de ce hexagramme signifie avancer dans une direction ascendante, ou monter. La figure symbolise la promotion d'un officier capable au plus haut sommet de distinction. L'action de la deuxième ligne dynamique est tempérée par sa position centrale magnétique du trigramme inférieur. En tant que représentant de Pousser vers le Haut il est puissant, mais modeste et le dirigeant de la cinquième ligne magnétique accueille son avancement. L'officier a donc les qualités qui le préparent à monter ainsi qu'une occasion favorable pour le faire.
Après avoir rencontré le "grand homme" à la cinquième ligne, avancer vers le sud sera favorable. Chu Hsi dit que cela équivaut à "avancer en avant.” Étant donné que le sud est la région de la clarté et de la chaleur, le progrès sera facile et agréable.
Le trigramme inférieur symbolise le Bois, et sa première ligne faible est la racine d'un arbre enfouie dans la terre du trigramme supérieur. La croissance graduelle de cette racine pousse le tronc vers le haut au fur et à mesure que les circonstances du temps le permettent.
NOTES ET PARAPHRASES
Jugement : Montez en accord avec la volonté du Soi. Tournez-vous vers la clarté.
L'Homme Supérieur grandit un peu chaque jour.
L'image du 46ème hexagramme est celle d'une plante poussant dans la terre, poussant progressivement vers le soleil. Que "une avancée vers le sud est favorable" signifie que comme toutes les plantes se tournent vers le sud vers le soleil, leur source de nourriture, nous devrions nous tourner vers la lumière et la clarté du "grand homme" ou du Soi en nous.
L'avancement vers le haut du Travail est un processus organique. Il n'y a pas de "illumination instantanée." Les nombreuses histoires et paraboles de Satori instantané qui sont courantes dans la tradition bouddhiste zen sont en réalité des récits dramatiques des derniers moments de résolution qui viennent après une vie de dévotion lente et patiente. Le Travail progresse au rythme d'un arbre -- ce qui a commencé comme un gland devient finalement un géant de la forêt, mais cela ne se produit pas du jour au lendemain.
Souvenez-vous toujours que l'Esprit dans son intégralité est toujours le Bâtisseur. Car c'est pas à pas, ligne sur ligne, précepte sur précepte, ici un peu, là un peu, que l'atteinte est accomplie dans les applications mentales, spirituelles, matérielles d'une entité dans ce monde matériel. Edgar Cayce – Livre des Changements
Cette croissance lente est une accumulation de nombreux "rassemblements" comme décrit dans le hexagramme précédent, dontPousser vers le Haut est l'image inversée. On estime qu'un être humain adulte grandit d'une seule cellule à environ cent milliards de cellules grâce à un processus de cinquante milliards de divisions mitotiques. Il est intéressant d'observer que "cent milliards" est l'estimation scientifique du nombre d'étoiles dans une galaxie donnée. Si nous appliquons l'Axiome Hermétique : "Comme en haut, ainsi en bas" à cette relation de macrocosme à microcosme, nous obtenons l'image de notre système solaire comme un seul atome dans le "corps" d'une entité galactique.
Cela devrait mettre le Travail en perspective !
Comprends que tu es un second petit monde et que le soleil et la lune sont en toi, et aussi les étoiles. Origène --Homiliae in Leviticum