Eleventh Hexagram : The Wisdom of Peace

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the eleventh hexagram of the I Ching, Tai (泰), which symbolizes 'Peace' or 'Greatness'. It represents earth over heaven, like heaven descending to mingle with earth, fostering harmony, prosperity, and smooth interactions where small departs and great arrives. The hexagram statement is: "Tai: Peace. The small departs, The great approaches. Good fortune. Success."

 

The line interpretations in the I Ching can be abstract and hard to remember. So, today, I've woven the six lines into an ancient tale to make them come alive. Read the story to absorb the meanings, and then in the breakdowns, I'll quote relevant parts of the story and add annotations from the I Ching original with sources. This way, you'll easily recall the lessons of each line!

 

조화로운 계곡, 평화의 흐름

 

옛날 옛적, 하늘과 땅이 맞닿은 듯 푸르고 아름다운 계곡에 작은 마을이 있었어요. 마을 사람들은 서로 돕고 아끼며 조화롭게 살았지요. 모두가 함께 힘을 합쳐 일했고, 그들의 마음속에는 언제나 평화가 가득했어요.

 

마을 사람들은 함께 모여 밭의 잡초를 뽑고, 강가에 무성히 자란 풀들을 정리했어요. 작은 손길 하나하나가 모여 마을은 더욱 단단하고 평화로워졌답니다. 서로를 비난하는 일 없이 모두가 한마음으로 움직였어요.

 

마을 사람들은 수레를 연결하여 짐을 옮겼어요. 모두가 같은 방향을 바라보며 나아갔기에, 그들의 여정에는 언제나 행운이 따랐지요. 함께 하는 발걸음은 더욱 가볍고 즐거웠습니다.

 

그러던 어느 날, 마을의 평화로운 모습에 작은 변화가 찾아왔어요. 멀리서 날아온 기러기 한 마리, 이름은 기럼이었어요. 기럼은 때때로 배고프고 지쳐 보였지만, 조심스럽게 마을 강가로 다가왔습니다.

 

마을 사람들은 기럼을 보고 처음에는 놀랐지만, 이내 그를 환영했어요. 기럼은 마을의 평화로운 분위기에 서서히 녹아들었고, 마을 사람들은 그를 새로운 친구로 받아들였습니다.

 

기럼은 큰 나뭇가지 가까이 다가갔어요. 날개가 맞지 않아 처음에는 앉기 어려웠지만, 인내심을 가지고 기다린 끝에 마침내 편안한 자리를 찾았답니다. 그의 존재는 마을에 새로운 활력을 불어넣는 듯했어요.

 

기럼은 큰 나뭇가지 가까이 다가갔어요. 날개가 맞지 않아 처음에는 앉기 어려웠지만, 인내심을 가지고 기다린 끝에 마침내 편안한 자리를 찾았답니다. 그의 존재는 마을에 새로운 활력을 불어넣는 듯했어요.

 

마을은 더욱 번성했고, 사람들은 이 모든 것이 기럼이 가져다준 행운 덕분이라고 생각했어요. 그들은 점점 더 자신감에 차올랐고, 한때 조심스러웠던 마음은 사라졌습니다.

 

하지만 과도한 자신감은 평화를 깨뜨리기 시작했어요. 작은 의견 차이가 큰 다툼으로 번졌고, 마을 사람들은 서로를 비난하기 시작했습니다. 옛날의 조화는 점차 사라져 갔어요.

 

평화의 벽은 무너졌고, 마을은 무질서로 변했습니다. 기럼도 더 이상 마을에 머물지 않았어요. 마을 사람들은 비로소 깨달았습니다. 진정한 평화는 외부의 행운이 아니라, 서로를 이해하고 존중하는 마음에서 온다는 것을요.

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

출처 : 위스크AI

First Line (Initial Nine): When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Undertakings bring good fortune.

This line advises uniting with like-minded others for successful endeavors. Matching part in the tale: "At the base, villagers uprooted rushes together, uniting their clans without blame as they advanced in harmony." This symbolizes natural alliances pulling together.

 

Annotation: I Ching Tai hexagram first line: "The first NINE, undivided, suggests the idea of grass pulled up, and bringing with it other stalks with whose roots it is connected. Advance (on the part of its subject) will be fortunate."

Second Line (Nine in the Second Place): Bearing with the uncultured in gentleness, Fording the river with resolution, Not neglecting what is distant, Not regarding one's companions: Thus one may manage to walk in the middle.

This line suggests inclusive firmness leading to centered success. Matching part in the tale: "Further, they linked carts in a procession, firm in purpose; going forward brought good fortune in their shared journey." Broad embrace maintains balance. Annotation: I Ching Tai hexagram second line: "The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject encompassing (all the intelligence implied in) the lines below, and great as the river which he crosses; not neglecting the distant; not bound to his own faction; and in the end able to keep himself free from all selfishness."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing linked carts in procession with resolution for good fortune, representing Tai hexagram second line: inclusive firmness, valley journey scene with rivers, earthy tones with strong yellows for resolve."

Third Line (Nine in the Third Place): No plain not followed by a slope. No going not followed by a return. He who remains persevering in danger Is without blame. Do not complain about this truth; Enjoy the good fortune you still possess.

This line warns of cycles in prosperity, advising perseverance without complaint. Matching part in the tale: "But outer strength weakened inner resolve; a wild goose approached the shore gradually, sometimes hungry and separated, yet without blame in its cautious advance." Accept impermanence steadfastly. Annotation: I Ching Tai hexagram third line: "The third NINE, undivided, suggests the idea of there being no state of peace that is not followed by one of disorder. But if one be firm and correct in the face of difficulties, there will be no error. He should not indulge in any anxiety about the future;—he will find occasion for satisfaction."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating a wild goose approaching shore gradually without blame in perseverance, embodying Tai hexagram third line: cycles of peace, transitional valley with goose, muted browns and grays for caution."

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place): He flutters down, not boasting with his wealth, Together with his neighbor, Guileless and sincere.

This line indicates humble descent to unite sincerely with others. Matching part in the tale: "The goose then neared the great bough; if its wings were not suited, it might not descend, but perseverance led to great good fortune as it found its place." Modest joining fosters harmony. Annotation: I Ching Tai hexagram fourth line: "The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject fluttering (down);—not relying on his (own) great resources, but calling in his neighbors. (They come) not because of admonition, but in the sincerity (of their hearts)."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying a goose nearing a bough with perseverance for great good fortune, symbolizing Tai hexagram fourth line: humble descent in union, elevated valley scene, serene blues and golds for sincerity."

Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place): The sovereign I Gives his daughter in marriage. This brings blessing And supreme good fortune.

This line represents beneficial alliances from a position of strength. Matching part in the tale: "Higher up, the goose approached the heights, its feathers usable for ceremonies, bringing good fortune in elevated harmony." Noble unions yield blessings. Annotation: I Ching Tai hexagram fifth line: "The fifth SIX, divided, reminds us of (king) Ti-yi and his (younger) sister in marriage. (The ornaments of) her lower robes were not so adorned as those of the (former) king's (aunt). The moon that is nearly full brings good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing a goose at heights with feathers for ceremonies bringing good fortune, representing Tai hexagram fifth line: elevated harmony, ceremonial valley view, vibrant reds and yellows for blessing."

Top Line (Six at the Top): The wall falls back into the moat. Use no army now. Make your commands known within your own town. Perseverance brings humiliation.

This line warns of decline in peace, advising restraint to avoid shame. Matching part in the tale: "At the peak, the walls fell back into the moat; no force was used, but the city issued its own orders. Initial good fortune turned to disorder as overconfidence disrupted the peace." Overextension leads to fall. Annotation: I Ching Tai hexagram top line: "The topmost SIX, divided, shows us the city wall returned into the moat. It is not the time to use the army. (The subject of the line) might find for himself a ruler (to honor him). With firm correctness there will be evil."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting walls falling into moat without army use leading to humiliation, symbolizing Tai hexagram sixth line: decline in peace, disrupted valley scene, dark purples and browns for disorder."

This blog should make the six lines of Tai hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~