43. Guai | Breakthrough

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Original Chinese text

English translation

Guai / Breakthrough: Broadcast it in the royal court; faithful proclamation still carries danger. Announce from one’s own city. It is not fitting for warlike haste, but movement is appropriate.

This is the judgment of Guai (Breakthrough), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “having somewhere to go” means forward action is fitting; “danger” calls for vigilance.

Original Chinese text

English translation

First Nine: The advance is forceful and overextended; going ahead beyond capacity will bring blame.

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

English translation

Second Nine: Stay alert and raise the alarm in the night; armed danger is present, yet there is no need to worry.

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.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Third Nine: Too much force is a warning sign and can be dangerous. The gentleman should act alone and decisively; getting drenched by rain stirs resentment but leads to no blame.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “misfortune” marks serious risk.

Original Chinese text

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Fourth Nine: The hindquarters are bare and movement is rough and uneven. Drawing the sheep away removes regret, though what is heard is not believed.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Fifth Nine: With decisive force applied in proper measure and a centered course, there is no blame.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Top Six: Without a warning cry, misfortune comes in the end.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “misfortune” marks serious risk.

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