18 · 蠱

Hexagram 18, 蠱. Original Chinese judgment: 元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初六：幹父之蠱，有子，考无咎，厲終吉。
  2. 九二：幹母之蠱，不可貞。
  3. 九三：幹父之蠱，小有悔，无大咎。
  4. 六四：裕父之蠱，往見吝。
  5. 六五：幹父之蠱，用譽。
  6. 上九：不事王侯，高尚其事。

Tuan commentary

蠱，剛上而柔下，巽而止，蠱。蠱，元亨，而天下治也。利涉大川，往有事也。先甲三日，後甲三日，終則有始，天行也。

维基文库 · 周易 · 蛊

Great Image commentary

山下有風，蠱；君子以振民育德。

Small Images · bottom to top

  1. 幹父之蠱，意承考也。
  2. 幹母之蠱，得中道也。
  3. 幹父之蠱，終无咎也。
  4. 裕父之蠱，往未得也。
  5. 幹父用譽，承以德也。
  6. 不事王侯，志可則也。

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 Gu as accumulated defects and decay reaching a point that requires action. Repair must renew matters before decay reaches its extreme and repeatedly review former faults after the new situation begins.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

  1. Defects inherited from predecessors are still shallow and easier to repair. Successors can restore matters and spare predecessors blame, but awareness of danger is still needed for an auspicious conclusion.
  2. Firm strength at the center in the second yang line supports the yielding fifth line. Repairing accumulated problems left by the yielding party must not become rigid; an accommodating, in-depth approach should follow a balanced course.
  3. The third yang line is excessively firm and lacks the center, so repairing old defects brings some regret. Yet belonging to Xun and being correctly placed avoids great fault.
  4. Yielding yin in the fourth line is indulgent and fails to repair defects actively, allowing problems to deepen. Continuing this way necessarily brings humiliation.
  5. Yielding strength at the honored center in the fifth line receives virtuous support from the second yang line. Repair through virtue can earn esteem.
  6. Firm yang in the highest line stands outside affairs. The image of not serving kings and lords but elevating one’s purpose presents a purpose that can serve as a model.

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

Gu describes accumulated faults and decay reaching the stage that requires repair. Repair looks back to how the problem arose and continues checking after a new beginning; a single superficial patch is not enough.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

  1. Old faults are still shallow and easier to repair. Even when reviving and putting things in order, remain aware of danger and cautious.
  2. When repairing problems left by a yielding party, do not be rigid or obstinate. Understand them deeply and keep a balanced course.
  3. Overly forceful action in repair may bring some regret. With a correct direction, however, major faults can still be avoided.
  4. Indulgence without actively addressing old faults deepens them; continuing this way is described as leading to difficulty and shame.
  5. In a central position with assistance from people of virtue, repair accumulated faults through good conduct and thereby gain recognition.
  6. Having stepped outside these affairs, one does not seek advancement in office but preserves a noble purpose. This choice may become an example.

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