Hexagram Analysis

I Ching Hexagram 16 : 豫 Yu / Enthusiasm

The fourth line, held by the leading official, exerts a strong influence over the weaker lines below. The upper trigram, Chên, represents movement, while the lower trigram, K'un, embodies obedience and devotion. This creates a powerful force that inspires enthusiasm and carries all along with it. Additionally, the law of least resistance is crucial in both natural events and human life, as demonstrated in this hexagram.

The Judgment

Having passion and drive can lead to success by recruiting allies and mobilizing forces.

The era of passion arises when a leader, who is in tune with the people's spirit and acts accordingly, emerges. This results in universal and willing compliance. To ignite passion, a leader must adapt themselves and their policies to the nature of those they lead. The immutability of natural laws is based on the principle of least resistance. These laws are not external forces but rather the inherent harmony of movement within them. This is why celestial bodies remain in their orbits and natural events occur with predictable regularity. The same applies to human society: only laws that are rooted in popular sentiment can be enforced, while laws that violate this sentiment only provoke resentment. Passion also allows us to appoint assistants for a project without fear of covert opposition. It is also passion that can unite mass movements, such as in war, to achieve victory.

The Image

The earth echoes with thunder, symbolizing passion. The wise rulers of olden times celebrated excellence through music, presenting it with grandeur to the Divine Being and inviting their forefathers to join in.

At the start of summer, the release of electrical energy in the form of thunder signals a relief of tension in nature. Similarly, music has the power to ease tension within the heart and release obscure emotions. The heart's enthusiasm can be expressed through song, dance, and rhythmic movement. Throughout history, the inspiring effect of music has mystified humanity, drawing people together and elevating their emotions. Rulers have recognized the power of music and used it to regulate and elevate society. Music was seen as a serious and holy art form, capable of purifying the soul and glorifying heroes. In religious settings, music was used to draw people closer to God and to honor ancestors. This connection between the human past and the divine established a bond between God and humanity. The ruler who revered both the divine and their ancestors became known as the Son of Heaven, embodying the mystical connection between the earthly and heavenly realms. These ideas are the culmination of Chinese culture, and Confucius once said that understanding the great sacrifice at the heart of these beliefs would give one the power to rule the world.