ChineseStudy

26. Da Xu | Great Taming

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English translation

Da Xu / Great Taming: Great accumulation favors upright conduct; there is no need for private household reliance on food, and this is auspicious. It is favorable to cross broad waters.

This is the judgment of Da Xu (Great Taming), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “crossing the great river” suggests undertaking a difficult but meaningful passage; “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

First Nine: there is danger; be vigilant, it is beneficial to stop.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “danger” calls for vigilance.

Second Nine: The cart axle is coming loose.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Third Nine: A fine horse bolts forward; firmness through hardship is proper. Keep the chariot in readiness, and it is favorable to set out.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “having somewhere to go” means forward action is fitting; “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time.

Fourth Six: A young ox is being yoked at its headgear; this is greatly auspicious.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Fifth Six: The tusks of a well-fed boar are spoken of; 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.

Top Nine: The wide roadway of heaven is reached; there is smooth progress.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

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