14 · 大有
Hexagram 14, 大有. Original Chinese judgment: 元亨。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.
Judgment
元亨。
Line texts
- 初九：无交害，匪咎，艱則无咎。
- 九二：大車以載，有攸往，无咎。
- 九三：公用亨于天子，小人弗克。
- 九四：匪其彭，无咎。
- 六五：厥孚交如，威如；吉。
- 上九：自天祐之，吉无不利。
Tuan commentary
大有，柔得尊位，大中而上下應之，曰大有。其德剛健而文明，應乎天而時行，是以元亨。
Great Image commentary
火在天上，大有；君子以遏惡揚善，順天休命。
Small Images · bottom to top
- 大有初九，无交害也。
- 大車以載，積中不敗也。
- 公用亨于天子，小人害也。
- 匪其彭，无咎；明辨晰也。
- 厥孚交如，信以發志也。威如之吉，易而无備也。
- 大有上吉，自天佑也。
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》
Judgment exegesis
Zhu Xi explains Da You through fire above heaven illuminating broadly. The fifth yin line occupies the honored center and receives the response of five yang lines, showing that great possession requires vigorous strength and cultivated clarity.
Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts
- At the beginning, one has not yet become involved in harm arising from abundance. Still approach affairs with the caution of hardship to remain without blame.
- Firm strength at the center below in the second yang line receives the fifth yin line’s response, like a great carriage carrying a heavy load. With this inner accumulation, proceeding does not bring ruin.
- The third yang line is firm and correctly placed, qualified like a lord presenting offerings to the sovereign. Without firm, correct virtue, even the same position cannot be borne.
- The fourth yang line lies close to a yielding ruler, risking the appearance of overwhelming those above. Firmness in a yielding position avoids ostentatious excess and discerns boundaries, hence no blame.
- The fifth yin line is yielding, centered and open, drawing allegiance through trustworthy relations. Yet the ruler’s position must not be too yielding; dignity must balance it for auspiciousness.
- At the height of great possession, one still follows the fifth yin line below, embodying trustworthiness, responsiveness and esteem for the worthy. Full possession does not overflow, so nothing is unfavorable.
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
Da You describes abundant resources and broad response. Great possession is not only quantity, but the ability to bear it with vigor, cultivated clarity and balance, without letting wealth become complacency or pressure upon others.
Plain-language reading · Line texts
- At the beginning of possession, one has not yet been drawn into its harms. Caution as in difficulty helps keep one free of blame.
- Like a large carriage able to bear a heavy load, sufficient inner accumulation and ability allow going forward without failure.
- Firm, upright virtue is needed to use what one possesses for public contribution; an unsuitable person cannot readily bear the task.
- Near the leading position with extensive resources, distinguish boundaries and avoid ostentation or pressure on the superior to remain without blame.
- Meet those above and below with sincerity while maintaining necessary dignity, preventing excessive softness from dissolving order.
- Even at the height of possession, follow the proper path and honor worthy people without overflowing with complacency; the reading describes nothing as unfavorable.