I Ching 19 Hexagram lín (Nearing)

I Ching 19 Hexagram lín (Nearing)

I Ching 19 Hexagram lín (Nearing)

Keywords
Meeting. Initiative. Change.
Short interpretation of Hexagram 19 – The Approaching
Love passing. Precarious work. You are in an excellent psychophysical moment but save your strength.

I Ching – General Description

The Chinese word Linn has a series of meanings that cannot be exhausted with a single corresponding term in our languages. The ancient inspirations of the Book of Changes give as the first meaning ″ to grow up ″. What gets big are the two strong lines that enter the sign from below and grow into it. With them the clear force expands. Starting from here the thought continues towards the concept of the approach, that is the approach of the strong, of the one who is higher than the one who is below. Finally, it also means the deference of a superior towards the people; moreover, to take care of one’s own affairs.The sign is coordinated with the twelfth month (January-February), when after the winter solstice the clear force is again in the process of growing.

I Ching – Comment on sentence

The approach has sublime success. Auspicious is perseverance. When the eighth month comes, there is misfortune.

In its totality the sign hints at a time of progress full of hope. Spring is approaching. Letice and complacency bring ups and downs together. Success is certain. There is only a need for decisive and persevering work to exploit the favor of time. And one more thing: the time of spring does not last forever. In the eighth month the aspects are reversed. There remain then only two strong and clear lines, which however are not advancing, but are retreating (see the next sign). We need to think about this reverse in time. If in this way evil is faced before it is even manifest, even before it begins to act, it will be possible to master it.

I Ching – Image

Above the lake is the land: The image of the approach. Thus the noble is inexhaustible in his intention to teach, And limitless in enduring and protecting the people.

The land is contiguous from above to the lake, this is the image of the approach and deference of the superior towards those who are below. From the two parts of the image it results the behavior of these towards those. As the lake shows an inexhaustible depth, so the wise man is inexhaustible in his disposition to teach men; and as the earth is vast, without limits, and carries and cares for all creatures, so the wise man leads and cares for men without excluding a part of humanity with barriers of any kind.

I Ching – Series

When there are great works to be undertaken, it is possible to become great. This is why the sign follows: the Approach. Approaching means growing up.

I Ching – Single Lines

Analytical description of each individual line

I Ching – First line:

Nine at the beginning means:
Common approach. Perseverance brings health.

The good begins to make its way and finds acceptance in an influential place. From there comes the stimulus that invites the capable man to come closer. Then it is good to join this upward trend. Only that one must take care not to lose oneself in the current of time, but to remain perseveringly in the right: this brings health.

I Ching – Second line:

Nine in the second place means:
Common approach. Health! Everything is propitious.

Since we are in the situation of being stimulated from above to approach, and because we possess within ourselves the strength and consequentiality that need no warning, we have health. Not even the future should worry us. It is known, it is true, that everything earthly is transient and that every ascent is followed by a decline: but we do not allow ourselves to be shaken by this general destiny. Everything is propitious. Therefore, the paths of life will be traveled swiftly, skillfully and boldly.

I Ching – Third line:

Six in the third place means:
Pleasant approach. Nothing that is propitious. If one comes to regret, one becomes spotless

Everything goes smoothly. It comes to power and prestige. But this hides in itself the danger of feeling at ease by trusting in one’s position and letting this state of mind of pleasant ease shine through in trading with men. This is harmful under any circumstances. However, there is the possibility that this state of mind will be reversed. Feeling regret for the foolishness of this attitude, realizing the responsibility enclosed in an influential position, makes us free from errors.

I Ching – Fourth line:

Six in the fourth place means:
Perfect approach. No stains.

While the three lower lines indicate the rise to power and influence, the three upper ones show the behavior of men in a higher position towards low people, to whom they procure influence. Here is illustrated the approach, perfectly devoid of prejudices, of a superior to a capable man, whom he invites into his circle regardless of caste prejudices. This is very propitious.

I Ching – Fifth line:

Six in the fifth place means:
Wise approach. This befits a great prince. Health!

A prince, or a person in a leadership position, must possess the wisdom to attract capable people into his circle who are experienced in business management. His wisdom lies as much in knowing how to choose the right people, as well as in the fact that he lets those he has chosen do it without directly meddling in business. Because only by using this regard will he find the people necessary to objectively meet every request.

I Ching – Sixth line:

Six above means:

To approach with a great heart. Health. No stains.

A sage who has already passed the world and who internally no longer has any duty towards life may sometimes find himself in the situation of having to re-enter this world once again and having to approach others. For other men, to whom he addresses his teachings and his self, this is very healthy. But even for himself this magnanimous lowering of himself is not a stain.