Thirty-Eighth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Opposition

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the thirty-eighth hexagram of the I Ching, Kui (睽), which symbolizes 'Opposition'. It represents fire over lake, like flames and water in inherent conflict, emphasizing differing viewpoints, the need for harmony in small matters, and bridging oppositions through understanding rather than force. The hexagram statement is: "Kui: Opposition. In small matters, good fortune."

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 Divided Flames, Bridging the Lake'

Once upon a time, in a land where fire blazed above a tranquil lake, creating inherent opposition between heat and coolness, two clans—the Flame Keepers and the Lake Guardians—faced growing discord. In small matters, good fortune came to those who sought common ground. At the outset, remorse disappeared as a lost horse returned of its own accord; the clans saw evil people but guarded against mistakes, avoiding pursuit to preserve peace.

One met his counterpart in a narrow street, no blame in this chance encounter that sparked dialogue.

But one saw the wagon dragged back, oxen halted, a man's hair and nose cut off; not a good beginning, but a good end as the opposition resolved through patience.

Isolated through opposition, one met a like-minded ally with whom to associate in good faith; despite the danger, no blame befell the faithful bond.

Remorse disappeared as the companion bit through the wrappings; if one went to him, how could it be a mistake in seeking unity?

Isolated through opposition, one saw one's companion as a pig covered with dirt, a wagon full of devils; first drawing a bow, then laying it aside, he was not a robber but would woo at the right time; as one went, rain fell, bringing good fortune to the reconciled.

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): Remorse disappears. If you lose your horse, do not run after it; it will come back of its own accord. When you see evil people, guard yourself against mistakes.

This line advises letting go of losses and guarding against negative influences to dissolve remorse. Matching part in the tale: "At the outset, remorse disappeared as a lost horse returned of its own accord; the clans saw evil people but guarded against mistakes, avoiding pursuit to preserve peace." This symbolizes non-pursuit allowing natural resolution.

 

Annotation: I Ching Kui hexagram first line: "Remorse disappears. If you lose your horse, do not run after it; it will come back of its own accord. When you see evil people, guard yourself against mistakes."

Second Line (Nine in the Second Place): One meets his lord in a narrow street. No blame.

This line suggests unexpected, humble encounters leading to positive outcomes without fault. Matching part in the tale: "One met his counterpart in a narrow street, no blame in this chance encounter that sparked dialogue." Chance meetings reconcile. Annotation: I Ching Kui hexagram second line: "One meets his lord in a narrow street. No blame."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing meeting lord in narrow street no blame sparking dialogue, representing Kui hexagram second line: humble encounter, street scene lake fire, earthy tones with subtle yellows for chance."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): One sees the wagon dragged back, the oxen halted. A man's hair and nose cut off. Not a good beginning, but a good end.

This line describes initial setbacks in opposition resolving favorably in the end. Matching part in the tale: "But one saw the wagon dragged back, oxen halted, a man's hair and nose cut off; not a good beginning, but a good end as the opposition resolved through patience." Setbacks resolve patiently. Annotation: I Ching Kui hexagram third line: "One sees the wagon dragged back, the oxen halted. A man's hair and nose cut off. Not a good beginning, but a good end."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating wagon dragged oxen halted hair nose cut bad beginning good end patience, embodying Kui hexagram third line: resolving setbacks, wagon scene fire lake, muted browns and greens for patience."

Fourth Line (Nine in the Fourth Place): Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded man with whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame.

This line indicates finding alliance in isolation, blameless despite risks. Matching part in the tale: "Isolated through opposition, one met a like-minded ally with whom to associate in good faith; despite the danger, no blame befell the faithful bond." Isolated alliance bonds. Annotation: I Ching Kui hexagram fourth line: "Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded man with whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying isolated opposition meeting like-minded associate good faith no blame danger, symbolizing Kui hexagram fourth line: faithful alliance, ally meeting scene lake fire, serene blues and golds for bond."

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place): Remorse disappears. The companion bites his way through the wrappings. If one goes to him, how could it be a mistake?

This line suggests remorse vanishing as barriers are overcome, no mistake in pursuing union. Matching part in the tale: "Remorse disappeared as the companion bit through the wrappings; if one went to him, how could it be a mistake in seeking unity?" Barriers overcome unite. Annotation: I Ching Kui hexagram fifth line: "Remorse disappears. The companion bites his way through the wrappings. If one goes to him, how could it be a mistake?"

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing remorse disappears companion bites wrappings no mistake seeking unity, representing Kui hexagram fifth line: overcoming barriers, biting scene fire lake, vibrant yellows and reds for unity."

Top Line (Six at the Top): Isolated through opposition, one sees one's companion as a pig covered with dirt, as a wagon full of devils. First one draws a bow against him, then one lays the bow aside. He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time. As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes.

This line describes initial suspicion in opposition resolving into harmony and good fortune. Matching part in the tale: "Isolated through opposition, one saw one's companion as a pig covered with dirt, a wagon full of devils; first drawing a bow, then laying it aside, he was not a robber but would woo at the right time; as one went, rain falls, bringing good fortune to the reconciled." Suspicion resolves harmoniously. Annotation: I Ching Kui hexagram top line: "Isolated through opposition, one sees one's companion as a pig covered with dirt, as a wagon full of devils. First one draws a bow against him, then one lays the bow aside. He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time. As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting isolated opposition seeing companion pig dirt wagon devils bow lay aside not robber woo time rain good fortune reconciled, symbolizing Kui hexagram sixth line: resolving suspicion, suspicion rain scene lake fire, dark purples fading to luminous yellows for harmony."

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