19 · 臨

Hexagram 19, 臨. Original Chinese judgment: 元，亨，利，貞。至于八月有凶。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

元，亨，利，貞。至于八月有凶。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初九：咸臨，貞吉。
  2. 九二：咸臨，吉无不利。
  3. 六三：甘臨，无攸利。既憂之，无咎。
  4. 六四：至臨，无咎。
  5. 六五：知臨，大君之宜，吉。
  6. 上六：敦臨，吉无咎。

Tuan commentary

臨，剛浸而長。說而順，剛中而應，大亨以正，天之道也。至于八月有凶，消不久也。

维基文库 · 周易 · 临

Great Image commentary

澤上有地，臨；君子以教思无窮，容保民无疆。

Small Images · bottom to top

  1. 咸臨貞吉，志行正也。
  2. 咸臨，吉无不利；未順命也。
  3. 甘臨，位不當也。既憂之，咎不長也。
  4. 至臨无咎，位當也。
  5. 大君之宜，行中之謂也。
  6. 敦臨之吉，志在內也。

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 Lin through two yang lines gradually growing and approaching upward. Dui’s joy and Kun’s responsiveness, with firm centered strength in the second line corresponding to the fifth, express unhindered progress and steadfast correctness. Growth will eventually recede, so anticipate change with vigilance.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

  1. The first and second yang lines approach together. Firm yang in a correct position seeks advance in accordance with the proper way, so maintaining correctness is auspicious.
  2. Firm strength at the center in the second line tends upward. Approaching widely without losing the center is auspicious, with nothing unfavorable.
  3. Yielding yin in the third line is neither centered nor correct. Approaching through sweet words alone brings no benefit; concern and correction can avoid blame.
  4. The fourth yin line is correctly placed and corresponds below with the first yang line. Their approach is close and fitting, allowing freedom from blame.
  5. Yielding strength at the honored center in the fifth line corresponds below with the second yang line. Employing suitable people instead of acting arbitrarily is what Zhu Xi calls discerning approach.
  6. The top yin line approaches those below with a substantial heart, its purpose still with the people within. Lasting generosity is auspicious and without blame.

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

Lin describes yang gradually growing and approaching upward from below. The situation is opening, allowing advance and closeness to people. Yet growth eventually wanes, so remain wary even during favorable conditions.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

  1. Approach together with those sharing the same path. The intention to advance accords with correctness, hence the auspicious description.
  2. Vigorous and central, moving upward, one can approach people broadly without losing balance.
  3. Approaching others merely with pleasing words has no real benefit. Concern, reflection and timely correction can avoid blame.
  4. The position is correct and joins a proper counterpart below. Their closeness is fitting, so there is no blame.
  5. In the leading position without arbitrary judgment, appoint suitable people: this is approaching with wisdom.
  6. Even at the end of approaching, treat those below with a generous, steady heart. Such lasting depth is called auspicious and without blame.

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