Hexagram Analysis

I Ching Hexagram 22 : 賁 Pi / Grace

A fire erupts from the hidden depths of the earth, illuminating and adorning the mountain and the heavens above. The elegance of form is essential in any partnership to ensure harmony and avoid disorder.

The Judgment

"Success accompanies grace. It is advantageous to embark on minor endeavors."

The quality of grace can bring success, but it is not the fundamental element. It is merely an ornament that should be used sparingly and only in small matters. In the lower trigram of fire, a yielding line adds beauty to two strong lines, but the strong lines are the essential content while the weak line is the decorative form. In the upper trigram of the mountain, the strong line takes precedence, emphasizing the importance of the strong element as the decisive factor. In nature, the sun's strong light is essential for the world's existence, but the moon and stars add pleasing variety. In human affairs, aesthetic form arises from strong and enduring traditions, made beautiful by lucid elegance. By observing the forms in the sky, we can understand the changing demands of time. By studying the forms in human society, we can shape the world.

The Image

The sight of flames at the base of the mountain represents the embodiment of elegance. This is how a wise person handles the task of resolving ongoing matters. However, they must refrain from utilizing this approach when dealing with contentious matters.

The mountain is illuminated by the fire, casting a pleasing glow, but its reach is limited. Similarly, an attractive appearance may suffice to bring attention to trivial matters, but weighty issues demand a more serious approach.