Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the fifteenth hexagram of the I Ching, Qian (謙), which symbolizes 'Modesty' or 'Humility'. It represents earth over mountain, like a mountain hidden beneath the earth, emphasizing self-effacement, lowering oneself to elevate others, and achieving success through humble perseverance. The hexagram statement is: "Qian: Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through."
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!
숨겨진 봉우리, 겸손의 교훈
엣날 옛적, 광활한 대지 아래 거대한 산이 숨겨져 있는 신비로운 땅에 현자 마루가 살고 있었습니다. 그는 사람들에게 진정한 성공은 겸손의 미덕에서 온다고 가르치려 노력했습니다.
마루는 겸손한 마음으로 세상의 모든 일을 대했습니다. 그는 자신이 우월하다고 생각하지 않고, 언제나 배우고 나누는 자세를 잃지 않았습니다.
어느 날, 마루는 큰 강을 건너야 했습니다. 그는 자신의 힘을 과시하지 않고, 강물에 몸을 맡기듯 겸손하게 강을 건넜습니다.
그의 겸손한 여행길에서 행운이 찾아왔습니다. 강을 건너자마자, 멀리서 용의 우렁찬 울음소리가 들려왔습니다. 그것은 자연의 경이로움처럼 겸손하게 울려 퍼졌습니다.
마루는 용의 울음소리가 자신에게 주는 메시지임을 깨달았습니다. 겸손한 인내는 그에게 큰 행운을 가져다줄 것이라는 믿음이었습니다.
그는 자신의 공로를 내세우지 않고, 묵묵히 부지런히 일을 마무리했습니다. 그의 겸손한 태도는 주변 사람들에게도 좋은 영향을 주었습니다.
그의 노력에 대한 보상으로, 예상치 못한 행운이 찾아왔습니다. 그는 겸손하게 그 행운을 받아들였습니다.
모든 행동에서 그의 겸손한 움직임을 방해하는 것은 아무것도 없었습니다. 그는 넘어서지 않고, 언제나 자신의 자리에서 겸손하게 앞으로 나아갔습니다.
그는 자신의 부를 자랑하지 않았고, 도전에 직면했을 때도 불필요한 무력을 사용하기보다 겸손하게 지혜를 구했습니다. 어떤 불리한 상황도 그를 꺾을 수 없었습니다.
마침내, 그의 겸손한 열망이 절정에 달했을 때, 하늘에서 축복이 내려왔습니다. 그는 비난 없이 올바른 마음으로 자신의 사업을 완수했고, 그의 이야기는 오랫동안 사람들의 마음에 남아 겸손의 위대한 교훈을 전했습니다.
Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale
First Line (Initial Six): A superior man modest about his modesty. He crosses the great water. Good fortune.
This line advises double humility enabling bold yet unpretentious actions for success. Matching part in the tale: "At the base, the sage, modest about his own modesty, crossed a great river humbly, finding good fortune in his unassuming journey." This symbolizes layered humility facilitating advancement. Annotation: I Ching Qian hexagram first line: "The first SIX, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. Even the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune."
Second Line (Six in the Second Place): Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.
This line suggests naturally manifesting humility through steadfastness for positive outcomes. Matching part in the tale: "His modesty expressed itself naturally, chirping like a dragon's call; perseverance in humility brought him good fortune." Expressed modesty endures. Annotation: I Ching Qian hexagram second line: "The second SIX, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune."
Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing expressed modesty like a chirping dragon with perseverance for good fortune, representing Qian hexagram second line: natural humility, serene mountain scene under earth, warm yellows and greens for expression."
Third Line (Nine in the Third Place): A superior man of modesty and merit Carries things to conclusion. Good fortune.
This line emphasizes humble merit completing tasks successfully. Matching part in the tale: "Laboring with merit yet remaining modest, he toiled diligently to conclude matters, earning good fortune for his efforts." Meritorious humility achieves. Annotation: I Ching Qian hexagram third line: "The third NINE, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He is humble and deferential. If he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune."
Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating a modest meritorious man concluding tasks with good fortune, embodying Qian hexagram third line: humble labor, toiling scene with hidden mountain, muted browns and golds for diligence."
Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place): Nothing that would not further modesty In movement.
This line indicates all actions benefiting from modesty without hindrance. Matching part in the tale: "In all actions, nothing hindered his modest movements, as he advanced humbly without overstepping." Modest motion advances all. Annotation: I Ching Qian hexagram fourth line: "The fourth SIX, divided, shows one, whose action would in every way be advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility."
Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying unhindered modest movements advancing favorably, symbolizing Qian hexagram fourth line: beneficial humility, advancing path under earth-covered mountain, vibrant greens and silvers for motion."
Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place): No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is favorable to attack with force. Nothing that would not further.
This line suggests using resources humbly and forcefully when needed, benefiting all. Matching part in the tale: "Without boasting of his wealth, he used force favorably against challenges, subduing them modestly; nothing was unfavorable." Humble force subdues. Annotation: I Ching Qian hexagram fifth line: "The fifth SIX, divided, shows him who is humble, and yet maintains his dignity. Though he may have (to employ) force, it is favorable to do so. There will be no advantage (however) that is not advantageous."
Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing non-boasting use of force favorably without unfavorable outcomes, representing Qian hexagram fifth line: modest subduing, challenge scene with earth over mountain, intense reds transitioning to calm blues for control."
Top Line (Six at the Top): Heaven helps the movement. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further.
This line represents heavenly aid in modest aspirations, enhancing all endeavors. Matching part in the tale: "At the peak, heaven blessed him abundantly; good fortune flowed, and nothing hindered his prosperity." Divine modesty furthers. Annotation: I Ching Qian hexagram top line: "The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject with help accorded to him from Heaven. There will be good fortune, advantage in every respect."
Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting heavenly help in modest movement bringing good fortune, symbolizing Qian hexagram sixth line: blessed humility, peak scene with heaven aiding earth-mountain, luminous yellows and purples for divine favor."
This blog should make the six lines of Qian hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~
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| Fourteenth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Possession in Great Measure (8) | 2025.09.16 |
| Thirteenth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Fellowship (0) | 2025.09.15 |
| Twelfth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Stagnation (2) | 2025.09.14 |
