ChineseStudy

53. Jian | Gradual Development

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English translation

Jian / Gradual Development: This hexagram depicts a steady, gradual union. The bride returns home, which is favorable, and maintaining upright conduct is advised.

This is the judgment of Jian (Gradual Development), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

First Six: The wild goose advances to the outpost; for the young and untested this is dangerous. There may be criticism, but ultimately no blame.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “danger” calls for vigilance.

Second Six: The wild goose comes to the rock, and there is calm joy in food and drink. This 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.

Third Nine: The wild goose reaches land; the husband does not return, and the wife remains without child. This is dangerous. It is appropriate to defend against invasion.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “misfortune” marks serious risk.

Fourth Six: The goose comes to the tree and may find a perch. There is 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.

Fifth Nine: The wild goose comes to the mound; the woman remains childless for three years, yet in the end none can prevail against this position. It 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 goose has come to land, and its feathers can be used in ritual fittings. This is auspicious.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

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