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HEXAGRAM 19 – Lin – Approach
Above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
Below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
The Chinese word Lin
has a range of meanings that
is not exhausted by any single word of another language.
The ancient explanations in the Book of Changes give as its
1. first meaning, "becoming great."
What becomes great are the two strong lines growing into the hexagram from below;
the light-giving power expands with them.
2. The meaning is then further extended to include the concept of approach, especially the approach of
a. what is strong and highly placed in relation to
b. what is lower.
3. Finally the meaning includes
a. the attitude of condescension of a man in high position toward the people,
and in general
b. the setting to work on affairs.
This hexagram is linked with the twelfth month (January-February), when, after the winter solstice,
the light power begins to ascend again.
THE JUDGMENT
APPROACH has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
When the eighth month comes,
There will be misfortune.
The hexagram as a whole points to a time of
· joyous,
· hopeful
· progress.
Spring is approaching.
· Joy and
· forbearance
bring
· high and
· low
nearer together.
Success is certain.
But we must work with
· determination and
· perseverance
to make full use of the propitiousness of the time.
And one thing more:
spring does not last forever.
In the eighth month the aspects are reversed.
Then only two strong, light lines are left;
these
· do not advance but
· are in retreat (see next hexagram).
We must take heed of this change in good time.
If we meet evil
· before it becomes reality –
· before it has even begun to stir –
we can master it.
THE IMAGE
The earth above the lake: The image of APPROACH.
Thus the superior man is
· Inexhaustible In his will to teach, And
· without limits In his
o tolerance and
o protection
of the people.
The earth borders upon the lake from above 1.
This symbolizes the
· approach and
· condescension
of the man of higher position to those beneath him.
The two parts of the image indicate what his attitude toward these people will be.
Just as
· the lake is inexhaustible in depth,
· the sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to teach mankind,
and just as
· the earth is boundlessly wide,
sustaining and
caring for all creatures on it,
· so the sage
o sustains and cares for all people and
o excludes no part of humanity.
