19. Lin | Approach
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
临：元亨，利贞；至于八月有凶。
English translation
Lin / Approach: great success and smooth progress, it is beneficial to remain upright; by the eighth month misfortune may arrive.
This is the judgment of Lin (Approach), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “misfortune” marks serious risk.
Original Chinese text
初九：咸临，贞吉。
English translation
First Nine: Gentle approach is present; steadfastness is auspicious.
The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.
Original Chinese text
九二：咸临，吉无不利。
English translation
Second Nine: Gentle approach is auspicious, and nothing is inauspicious.
The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.
Original Chinese text
六三：甘临，无攸利。既忧之，无咎。
English translation
Third Six: A mild approach has no clear benefit. But if one grows concerned first, there is no blame.
The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. the warning against going forward suggests restraint rather than expansion; “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.
Original Chinese text
六四：至临，无咎。
English translation
Fourth Six: Complete approach is followed by no blame.
The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.
Original Chinese text
六五：知临，大君之宜，吉。
English translation
Fifth Six: To understand and time one's approach suits a great ruler; this is auspicious.
The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.
Original Chinese text
上六：敦临，吉，无咎。
English translation
Top Six: Sincere approach is auspicious and without blame.
The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.