Twenty-Fourth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Return

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the twenty-fourth hexagram of the I Ching, Fu (復), which symbolizes 'Return' or 'Turning Point'. It represents earth over thunder, like the return of yang energy stirring beneath the ground after winter solstice, emphasizing renewal, the cyclical return to basics, and the natural resurgence of vitality after decline. The hexagram statement is: "Fu: Return. Success. Going out and coming in without error. Friends come without blame. To and fro goes the way. On the seventh day comes return. It furthers one to have somewhere to go."

 

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 Winter's Thaw, Cycle of Renewal'

Once upon a time, in a frozen land where thunder slumbered beneath the earth, a wanderer sought the path home after a long exile, marking the return of light after darkness. Success greeted his turning point as he went out and in without error, friends arriving blamelessly; to and fro went the way, with return on the seventh day, furthering his journey to a destined place. At the outset, he returned from a short deviation, no remorse needed for his minor stray; great good fortune blessed his quick correction.

Quietly he returned homeward, finding good fortune in his peaceful reentry without fanfare.

But repeated wanderings brought danger as he strayed again and again; yet no blame marred his eventual safe return.

Walking midst the chaotic crowds, he returned alone, detaching wisely from the throng to find his true path.

With noblehearted sincerity, he returned without remorse, embracing the cycle wholeheartedly.

At last, missing the timely return, misfortune struck from calamities and errors; armies set marching in delusion suffered great defeat, disastrous for the ruler, unable for ten years to renew the quest.

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

출처 : 위스크AI

First Line (Initial Nine): Return from a short distance. No need for remorse. Great good fortune.

This line advises quick correction of minor errors, leading to great success without regret. Matching part in the tale: "At the outset, he returned from a short deviation, no remorse needed for his minor stray; great good fortune blessed his quick correction." This symbolizes timely return avoiding deeper trouble. Annotation: I Ching Fu hexagram first line: "The first NINE, (undivided), shows its subject returning (from an error) of no great extent, which will not (then) be regarded as a blame-worthy deflection. There will be great good fortune."

Second Line (Six in the Second Place): Quiet return. Good fortune.

This line suggests peaceful, unassuming return yielding positive outcomes. Matching part in the tale: "Quietly he returned homeward, finding good fortune in his peaceful reentry without fanfare." Humble return prospers. Annotation: I Ching Fu hexagram second line: "The second SIX, divided, shows (the subject) returning from an excellent (error). There will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing quiet return for good fortune without fanfare, representing Fu hexagram second line: peaceful reentry, serene frozen land scene with thunder earth, soft blues and whites for humility."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): Repeated return. Danger. No blame.

This line warns of perilous repeated straying, but no fault if one ultimately returns. Matching part in the tale: "But repeated wanderings brought danger as he strayed again and again; yet no blame marred his eventual safe return." Repeated peril blameless if corrected. Annotation: I Ching Fu hexagram third line: "The third SIX, divided, shows one who has made repeated returns. The position is perilous, but there will be no error."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating repeated return with danger but no blame, embodying Fu hexagram third line: perilous correction, straying wanderer scene under earth thunder, intense browns and reds for repetition."

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place): Walking in the midst of others, One returns alone.

This line indicates detaching from the crowd to return independently. Matching part in the tale: "Walking midst the chaotic crowds, he returned alone, detaching wisely from the throng to find his true path." Solitary return detaches wisely. Annotation: I Ching Fu hexagram fourth line: "The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject moving right in the centre (among those represented by the other divided lines), and yet returning alone (to his own path)."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying walking midst others but returning alone wisely, symbolizing Fu hexagram fourth line: independent detachment, crowd separation scene with earth over thunder, serene grays and golds for solitude."

Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place): Noblehearted return. No remorse.

This line represents sincere, generous return without regret. Matching part in the tale: "With noblehearted sincerity, he returned without remorse, embracing the cycle wholeheartedly." Sincere embrace renews. Annotation: I Ching Fu hexagram fifth line: "The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject generously (and sincerely) returning. There will be no occasion for repentance."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing noblehearted return without remorse embracing cycle, representing Fu hexagram fifth line: sincere renewal, heartfelt scene with thunder under earth, vibrant purples and yellows for generosity."

Top Line (Six at the Top): Missing the return. Misfortune. Misfortune from within and without. If armies are set marching in this way, One will in the end suffer a great defeat, Disastrous for the ruler of the country. For ten years It will not be possible to attack again.

This line warns of failing to return timely, leading to comprehensive disaster and long recovery. Matching part in the tale: "At last, missing the timely return, misfortune struck from calamities and errors; armies set marching in delusion suffered great defeat, disastrous for the ruler, unable for ten years to renew the quest." Missed timing dooms. Annotation: I Ching Fu hexagram top line: "The sixth SIX, divided, shows its subject all astray on the subject of returning. There will be evil. There will be calamities and errors. If with his views he put the hosts in motion, the end will be a great defeat, whose evil will extend to the ruler of the state. Even in ten years he will not be able to renew the expedition."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting missing return leading to misfortune and great defeat for ten years, symbolizing Fu hexagram sixth line: disastrous delay, chaotic exile scene with earth over thunder, dark reds and blacks for calamity."

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