Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes translation, 1950

   57. Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)

       above  SUN  THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
       below  SUN  THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD





Sun is one of the eight doubled trigrams. It is the eldest daughter 
and symbolizes wind or wood; it has for its attribute gentleness, 
which nonetheless penetrates like the wind or like growing wood 
with its roots. The dark principle, in itself rigid and immovable, 
is dissolved by the penetrating light principle, to which it 
subordinates itself in gentleness. In nature, it is the wind that 
disperses the gathered clouds, leaving the sky clear and serene. 
In human life it is penetrating clarity of judgment that thwarts 
all dark hidden motives. In the life of the community it is the 
powerful influence of a great personality that uncovers and breaks 
up those intrigues which shun the light of day.


        THE JUDGMENT

        THE GENTLE. Success through what is small.
        It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
        It furthers one to see the great man.


Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected 
not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this 
kind are less striking to the eye than those won by surprise attack, but they 
are more enduring and more complete. If one would produce such effects, one 
must have a clearly defined goal, for only when the penetrating influence works 
always in the same direction can the object be attained. Small strength can 
achieve its purpose only by subordinating itself to an eminent man who is 
capable of creating order.


        THE IMAGE

        Winds following one upon the other:
        The image of THE GENTLY PENETRATING.
        Thus the superior man 
        Spreads his commands abroad
        And carries out his undertakings.


The penetrating quality of the wind depends upon its ceaselessness. This is 
what makes it so powerful; time is its instrument. In the same way the ruler's 
thought should penetrate the soul of the people. This too requires a lasting 
influence brought about by enlightenment and command. Only when the command 
has been assimilated by the people is action in accordance with it possible. 
Action without preparation of the ground only frightens and repels.

        THE LINES

        Six at the beginning means:
        In advancing and in retreating,
        The perseverance of a warrior furthers.

In born gentleness is often carried to the point of indecisiveness. One does 
not feel strong enough to advance resolutely. A thousand doubts crop up; one 
is, however, not minded to withdraw but drifts indecisively to and fro. In 
such a situation, a military decisiveness is the proper thing, so that one 
resolutely does what order demands. Resolute discipline is far better than 
irresolute license.

        Nine in the second place means:
        Penetration under the bed.
        Priests and magicians are used in great number.
        Good fortune. No blame.

At times one has to deal with hidden enemies, intangible influences that slink into 
dark corners and from this hiding affect people by suggestion. In instances like this, 
it is necessary to trace these things back to the most secret recesses, in order to 
determine the nature of the influences to be dealt with. This is the task of the 
priests; removing the influences is the task of the magicians. The very anonymity 
of such plotting requires an especially vigorous and indefatigable effort, but this 
is well worth while. For when such elusive influences are brought into the light 
and branded, they lose their power over people.

        Nine in the third place means:
        Repeated penetration. Humiliation.

Penetrating reflection must not be pushed too far, lest it cripple the power 
of decision. After a matter has been thoroughly pondered, it is essential to
form a decision and to act. Repeated deliberation brings fresh doubts and
scruples, and thereby humiliation, because one shows oneself unable to act.

        Six in the fourth place means:
        Remorse vanishes.
        During the hunt
        Three kinds of game are caught.

When a responsible position and accumulated experience lead one to combine 
innate modesty with energetic action, great success is assured. The three 
kinds of animals referred to served for offerings to the gods, for feasting 
guests, and for everyday consumption. When the catch answered all three 
purposes, the hunt was considered especially successful.

        ° Nine in the fifth place means:
        Perseverance brings good fortune.
        Remorse vanishes.
        Nothing that does not further.
        No beginning, but an end.
        Before the change, three days.
        After the change, three days.
        Good fortune.

In the situation described in Ku, WORK ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOILED (Hexagram 18), 
an entirely new point of departure must be set up, whereas here it is only 
a question of reforms. The beginning has not been good, but the moment has 
been reached when a new direction can be taken. Change and improvement are 
called for. Such steps must be undertaken with steadfastness, that is, with 
a firm and correct attitude of mind; then they will succeed, and remorse will 
disappear. But it must be remembered that such improvements require careful 
consideration. Before a change is made, it must be pondered over again and 
again. After the change is made, it is necessary to note carefully for some 
time after how the improvements bear the test of actuality. Such careful work 
is accompanied by good fortune.

        Nine at the top means:
        Penetration under the bed.
        He loses his property and his ax.
        Perseverance brings misfortune.

A man's understanding is sufficiently penetrating. He follows up injurious 
influences into the most secret corners. But he no longer has the strength 
to combat them decisively. In this case any attempt to penetrate into the 
personal domain of darkness would only bring harm.

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