Hexagram 50
•
鼎 (Dǐng)
•
Dǐng
The Cauldron (Ding)
The Cauldron (Ding) (鼎 (Dǐng)): Upper Fire, Lower Wind. Supreme good fortune. The sacred vessel transforms raw nourishment into divine essence.
Upper Trigram
Fire
Lower Trigram
Wind
⚖ The Judgment
Supreme good fortune. The sacred vessel transforms raw nourishment into divine essence.
✧ The Image
Fire over wood; the noble person solidifies destiny through righteous alignment.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 50 (The Cauldron (Ding) / 鼎 (Dǐng)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Fire above and Wind 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 The Cauldron (Ding); 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.