Thirty-Sixth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Darkening of the Light

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the thirty-sixth hexagram of the I Ching, Ming I (明夷), which symbolizes 'Darkening of the Light'. It represents earth over fire, like the light hidden beneath the earth, emphasizing concealing one's wisdom or virtue during times of danger, persevering in adversity, and protecting inner light from external darkness. The hexagram statement is: "Ming I: Darkening of the Light. In adversity, it is advantageous to be persevering."

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 Hidden Flame, Guarding the Light'

Once upon a time, beneath the earth's surface where a dim fire flickered, a wise scholar lived in a time of darkness when corrupt rulers sought to extinguish true knowledge. In adversity, perseverance proved advantageous as he hid his inner light to protect it. At the outset, his light darkened in his toes, a small injury unnoticed by foes; he persevered, and no harm came.

The scholar hid his light in his calves, facing misfortune but finding good fortune by retreating to preserve his wisdom.

He hunted with a pheasant, darkening his light with a net; but the superior man was injured, though he rose again to recover his brilliance.

He entered the left side of his belly, darkening his heart; yet one obtained a bride, finding union amid the danger.

Persevering brought good fortune as he hid his light in his heart, kindness and justice guiding him through the peril.

At last, no light remained above or below, his brilliance completely darkened; but his perseverance brought honor, preserving his integrity through the darkest trial.

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 Six): Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man on a journey for three days does not drink. He has somewhere to go. Good fortune.

This line suggests hiding one's light during retreat, with disciplined perseverance leading to success. Matching part in the tale: "At the outset, his light darkened in his toes, a small injury unnoticed by foes; he persevered, and no harm came." This symbolizes subtle concealment ensuring safety on a journey. Annotation: I Ching Ming I hexagram first line: "Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man on a journey for three days does not drink. He has somewhere to go. Good fortune."

Second Line (Six in the Second Place): Darkening of the light brings injury. In a low place, good fortune.

This line indicates harm from hiding light, but retreating to safety brings success. Matching part in the tale: "The scholar hid his light in his calves, facing misfortune but finding good fortune by retreating to preserve his wisdom." This symbolizes finding safety in a humble position. Annotation: I Ching Ming I hexagram second line: "Darkening of the light brings injury. In a low place, good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing darkening light injury good fortune in low place, representing Ming I hexagram second line: safe retreat, scholar retreat scene fire earth, earthy tones with subtle greens for humility."

Third Line (Nine in the Third Place): Darkening of the light during the hunt. In the south one catches a pheasant. The superior man goes and is wounded, but later he rises again.

This line describes risking injury while hiding light, with eventual recovery after effort. Matching part in the tale: "He hunted with a pheasant, darkening his light with a net; but the superior man was injured, though he rose again to recover his brilliance." This symbolizes resilience after a setback. Annotation: I Ching Ming I hexagram third line: "Darkening of the light during the hunt. In the south one catches a pheasant. The superior man goes and is wounded, but later he rises again."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating darkening light hunt pheasant wounded rising again, embodying Ming I hexagram third line: resilient recovery, hunt scene earth fire, muted yellows and reds for resilience."

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place): He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets a bride. Nothing that acts to further.

This line suggests deep concealment leading to unexpected union, with limited progress. Matching part in the tale: "He entered the left side of his belly, darkening his heart; yet one obtained a bride, finding union amid the danger." This symbolizes hidden depth yielding alliance. Annotation: I Ching Ming I hexagram fourth line: "He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets a bride. Nothing that acts to further."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying penetrating left belly darkening heart obtaining bride, symbolizing Ming I hexagram fourth line: hidden union, scholar bride scene fire earth, serene blues and golds for alliance."

Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place): Perseverance brings good fortune. Darkening of the light as with a prince. A man of blessing and justice.

This line indicates steadfastly hiding light like a noble, with virtue guiding through peril. Matching part in the tale: "Persevering brought good fortune as he hid his light in his heart, kindness and justice guiding him through the peril." This symbolizes noble perseverance in darkness. Annotation: I Ching Ming I hexagram fifth line: "Perseverance brings good fortune. Darkening of the light as with a prince. A man of blessing and justice."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing perseverance good fortune darkening light prince blessing justice, representing Ming I hexagram fifth line: noble guidance, heart hide scene earth fire, vibrant purples and yellows for virtue."

Top Line (Six at the Top): Not bright above and below. Darkening of the light is at its height. But he is honored by the persistence of his act.

This line describes total concealment of light, with perseverance earning respect despite adversity. Matching part in the tale: "At last, no light remained above or below, his brilliance completely darkened; but his perseverance brought honor, preserving his integrity through the darkest trial." This symbolizes enduring honor in total darkness. Annotation: I Ching Ming I hexagram top line: "Not bright above and below. Darkening of the light is at its height. But he is honored by the persistence of his act."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting no light above below darkened height honored perseverance, symbolizing Ming I hexagram sixth line: enduring integrity, dark trial scene fire earth, dark grays and silvers for honor."

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