Hexagram 36
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明夷 (Míng Yí)
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Míng Yí
Darkening of the Light
Darkening of the Light (明夷 (Míng Yí)): Upper Earth, Lower Fire. Keep the inner flame cloaked in times of obscurity. Sincerity perseveres in darkness.
Upper Trigram
Earth
Lower Trigram
Fire
⚖ The Judgment
Keep the inner flame cloaked in times of obscurity. Sincerity perseveres in darkness.
✧ The Image
Sun sinks beneath earth; the noble person conceals radiance amidst worldly ignorance.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 36 (Darkening of the Light / 明夷 (Míng Yí)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Earth above and Fire 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 Darkening of the Light; 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.