1 · 乾

Hexagram 1, 乾. Original Chinese judgment: 元亨，利貞。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

元亨，利貞。

用九：見群龍无首，吉。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初九：潛龍，勿用。
  2. 九二：見龍在田，利見大人。
  3. 九三：君子終日乾乾，夕惕若，厲，无咎。
  4. 九四：或躍在淵，无咎。
  5. 九五：飛龍在天，利見大人。
  6. 上九：亢龍有悔。

Tuan commentary

大哉乾元，萬物資始，乃統天。雲行雨施，品物流形。大明終始，六位時成，時乘六龍以御天。乾道變化，各正性命，保合大和，乃利貞。首出庶物，萬國咸寧。

维基文库 · 周易 · 乾

Great Image commentary

天行健，君子以自強不息。

Small Images · bottom to top

用九，天德不可為首也。

  1. 潛龍勿用，陽在下也。
  2. 見龍在田，德施普也。
  3. 終日乾乾，反復道也。
  4. 或躍在淵，進无咎也。
  5. 飛龍在天，大人造也。
  6. 亢龍有悔，盈不可久也。

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese

Working translation of this site’s Chinese summaries based on traditional sources, not verbatim quotations from the commentator or a translation of the classical text. Native-language review is incomplete. Traditional imagery is not medical, legal or other professional advice.

朱熹《周易本義》

維基文庫 · 周易本義（四庫全書本）卷一

Judgment exegesis

Zhu Xi explains Qian as the utmost of vigorous strength through its six pure yang lines. Unhindered progress must be grounded in steadfast correctness to bring matters to a sound conclusion.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

All six yang lines change, and vigorous strength can turn toward yielding responsiveness. The dragons do not compete to lead: this is the key to the auspicious reading of Use Nine.

  1. Yang energy is still hidden below. Although virtue is present, time and position have not arrived, so its application should not be rushed.
  2. Firm strength holds the center and moves from concealment into appearance. Its beneficial virtue begins to reach others, hence the benefit of meeting a great person.
  3. Repeated firmness lacks the center and occupies the top of the lower trigram, a dangerous position. Continued diligence and vigilance are needed to remain without blame despite danger.
  4. At the turning point between upper and lower, advance and retreat, action is not yet settled. Judging the time in advancing or withdrawing can avoid blame.
  5. Firm, centered correctness occupies the honored position. Virtue fitting its position explains the flying dragon in heaven and the benefit of meeting a great person.
  6. Yang firmness reaches its highest point, too high to descend, so action readily brings regret.

Plain-language reading

Working translation of this site’s Chinese editorial reading, not an edition of the classical text, a verbatim quotation from a commentator or a prediction. Native-language review is not yet complete.

Judgment introduction

Qian’s six yang lines express sustained, vigorous action. The four terms yuan, heng, li and zhen connect beginnings, unhindered progress, fitting conduct and steadfast correctness, reminding us that strength needs a proper direction.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

When all six lines change, the group of dragons not competing to lead is described as auspicious. Vigorous strength still needs humility, restraint and transformation.

  1. Strength is still hidden and conditions are not ready; action should not be rushed.
  2. Ability begins to emerge and influence others. It is fitting to approach people of virtue and standing who can support one another’s accomplishments.
  3. This is a position of striving and risk. Diligence by day and vigilance at night help avoid faults.
  4. At a turning point between advancing and withdrawing, either a leap forward or a retreat may be possible; act with attention to the time.
  5. Ability, timing and position align, allowing full expression; meeting people of virtue is also fitting.
  6. Continuing to press upward after reaching the extreme can bring regret through excessive height.

Read the source