Hexagram 4
•
蒙 (Méng)
•
Méng
Youthful Folly
Youthful Folly (蒙 (Méng)): Upper Mountain, Lower Water. The teacher does not seek the youth; the youth must seek the teacher in humility.
Upper Trigram
Mountain
Lower Trigram
Water
⚖ The Judgment
The teacher does not seek the youth; the youth must seek the teacher in humility.
✧ The Image
A spring gushes at foot of mountain; the noble person nurtures character through resolute deeds.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 4 (Youthful Folly / 蒙 (Méng)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Mountain above and Water 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 Youthful Folly; 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.