Hexagram 15
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謙 (Qiān)
•
Qiān
Modesty
Modesty (謙 (Qiān)): Upper Earth, Lower Mountain. Modesty creates progress. The superior man carries things through to fulfillment.
Upper Trigram
Earth
Lower Trigram
Mountain
⚖ The Judgment
Modesty creates progress. The superior man carries things through to fulfillment.
✧ The Image
A mountain within the earth; the noble person diminishes excess to augment what is deficient.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 15 (Modesty / 謙 (Qiān)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Earth above and Mountain below. It teaches that wisdom arises from understanding seasonal transitions and adhering to moral constancy.
The Six Changing Lines
- 1 Line 1: Beginning phase of Modesty; observe quiet reserve.
- 2 Line 2: Inner equilibrium aligned with virtuous company.
- 3 Line 3: Transition point; rash action invites complication.
- 4 Line 4: Deep breakthrough; sincerity dissipates lingering doubts.
- 5 Line 5: Central sovereign seat; radiant integrity guides the collective.
- 6 Line 6: Culmination and apex; beware hubris as the cycle turns.