Nineteenth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Approach

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the nineteenth hexagram of the I Ching, Lin (臨), which symbolizes 'Approach' or 'Overseeing'. It represents earth over lake, like the earth descending to oversee and nourish the lake's waters, emphasizing gradual approach, supervision with care, and the inevitability of decline after peak prosperity. The hexagram statement is: "Lin: Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, There will be misfortune."

 

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!

Ancient Tale: 'The Earth's Gaze, Waters of Oversight'

Once upon a time, in a fertile basin where earth gently overlooked a shimmering lake, a wise overseer approached his domain to nurture and guide. Supreme success marked his approach, with perseverance furthering his watchful care, though he knew misfortune loomed when the eighth month arrived, signaling decline. At the beginning, he approached jointly with allies, persevering for good fortune in their unified oversight.

Together they advanced in joint approach, bringing good fortune as everything furthered under their harmonious gaze.

But some approached comfortably, indulging without furthering progress; induced to grieve over their laxity, they became free of blame through self-reflection.

Complete in his approach, the overseer oversaw without blame, fully engaging in renewal.

Wisely approaching as a great prince should, his methods were right, leading to good fortune in governance.

At the height, his greathearted approach from heaven brought blessings; good fortune prevailed without blame in his benevolent oversight.

How did you like the tale? Hope it was engaging! Now, let's break down each line based on the story. For each, I'll quote the matching part and annotate with the I Ching source. This connects the wisdom directly to the narrative for better recall!

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

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First Line (Initial Nine): Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.

This line advises unified, persistent approach for positive outcomes. Matching part in the tale: "At the beginning, he approached jointly with allies, persevering for good fortune in their unified oversight." This symbolizes collaborative perseverance in approach. Annotation: I Ching Lin hexagram first line: "The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject approaching (a position of authority). If he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune."

Second Line (Nine in the Second Place): Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.

This line indicates a favorable, all-benefiting joint approach. Matching part in the tale: "Together they advanced in joint approach, bringing good fortune as everything furthered under their harmonious gaze." Unified advance benefits all. Annotation: I Ching Lin hexagram second line: "The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject approaching (a position of authority). There will be good fortune; all advantageous."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing joint approach furthering everything with good fortune, representing Lin hexagram second line: beneficial unity, advancing lake scene under earth, warm yellows and aquas for harmony."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): Comfortable approach. Nothing furthers. If one is induced to grieve over it, One becomes free of blame.

This line warns of complacent approach yielding no progress, but grief redeems blame. Matching part in the tale: "But some approached comfortably, indulging without furthering progress; induced to grieve over their laxity, they became free of blame through self-reflection." Complacency redeemed by remorse. Annotation: I Ching Lin hexagram third line: "The third SIX, divided, shows one taking no care in his pursuit of pleasure. Nothing will be advantageous. If he feel distress for his conduct, he will be free from error."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating comfortable approach without furthering, grief freeing blame, embodying Lin hexagram third line: complacent redemption, indulgent lake gathering under earth, muted oranges and grays for reflection."

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place): Complete approach. No blame.

This line suggests a thorough, faultless approach. Matching part in the tale: "Complete in his approach, the overseer oversaw without blame, fully engaging in renewal." Thorough engagement blameless. Annotation: I Ching Lin hexagram fourth line: "The fourth SIX, divided, shows one approaching in the highest mode. There will be no error."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying complete approach without blame in renewal, symbolizing Lin hexagram fourth line: thorough oversight, engaging earth-lake scene, serene blues and golds for faultlessness."

Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place): Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune.

This line represents appropriate, wise approach befitting leadership for success. Matching part in the tale: "Wisely approaching as a great prince should, his methods were right, leading to good fortune in governance." Princely wisdom succeeds. Annotation: I Ching Lin hexagram fifth line: "The fifth SIX, divided, shows the approach of one who is wise and great. What befits the great ruler. There will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing wise princely approach right for good fortune, representing Lin hexagram fifth line: leadership wisdom, governance scene over lake, vibrant reds and yellows for authority."

Top Line (Six at the Top): Greathearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.

This line indicates benevolent, magnanimous approach yielding blameless success. Matching part in the tale: "At the height, his greathearted approach from heaven brought blessings; good fortune prevailed without blame in his benevolent oversight." Magnanimous blessings endure. Annotation: I Ching Lin hexagram top line: "The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject approaching with magnanimity. There will be good fortune, and no error."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting greathearted approach from heaven without blame for good fortune, symbolizing Lin hexagram sixth line: benevolent height, peak oversight scene with earth over lake, luminous purples and whites for magnanimity."

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