ChineseStudy

34. Da Zhuang | Great Power

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English translation

Da Zhuang / Great Power: it is beneficial to remain upright.

This is the judgment of Da Zhuang (Great Power), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time.

First Nine: Strength appears at the feet; setting out on campaign is dangerous, though the purpose is sincere.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence; “misfortune” marks serious risk.

Second Nine: uprightness is auspicious.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Third Nine: The lesser one uses force while the superior should proceed with restraint; steadfastness here is dangerous. A he-goat striking a fence and losing its horn is an image of overreach.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “danger” calls for vigilance.

Fourth Nine: Steadfastness is auspicious and regret is removed. The barrier splits without collapsing; strength is like the axle of a great cart.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Fifth Six: A sheep is lost in easy circumstances, and there is no regret.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Top Six: The he-goat strikes the fence, yet cannot retreat or complete its way. Nothing is advantageous; in hardship there is good fortune.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. the warning against going forward suggests restraint rather than expansion; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

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