36. Ming Yi | Darkening of the Light
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
明夷：利艰贞。
English translation
Ming Yi / Darkening of the Light: In dark times, it is favorable to hold fast through hardship and stay true.
This is the judgment of Ming Yi (Darkening of the Light), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time.
Original Chinese text
初九：明夷于飞，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食，有攸往，主人有言。
English translation
First Nine: Darkness is spreading and the wings droop as one flies. A gentleman on the road may go three days without food, and the host has words to give.
The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.
Original Chinese text
六二：明夷，夷于左股，用拯马壮吉。
English translation
Second Six: Darkening affects the left thigh; with a strong horse used for support, it is auspicious.
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
九三：明夷于南狩，得其大首。不可疾贞。
English translation
Third Nine: Darkening in the southern hunt brings a great head, but one must not be hasty in insisting on correctness.
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.
Original Chinese text
六四：入于左腹，获明夷之心，于出门庭。
English translation
Fourth Six: Entering on the left side, one gains the heart of the darkened condition at the gate and while leaving.
The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.
Original Chinese text
六五：箕子之明夷，利贞。
English translation
Fifth Six: This is the darkening associated with Jie; it is favorable to keep to firmness and rectitude.
The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time.
Original Chinese text
上六：不明晦，初登于天，后入于地。
English translation
Top Six: Darkness is obscure: it rises as if to the sky first, then returns to the earth.
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.