Hexagram 15
Modesty
謙 · Qiān · Alçakgönüllülük
Upper trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing) · Lower trigram: Mountain (still, resting)
Judgment
The mountain within the earth: what is high hides in a low place. This hexagram speaks of the strength of modesty, since true worth is quietly noticed even when it is not displayed. To keep balance, taking from what is abundant and giving to what is scarce is suggested. The mature person finishes what they begin and leaves a good name behind.
Image
Within the earth lies a mountain. The noble-minded take from the abundant, add to the scarce, weigh things and balance their distribution.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Modesty of the modest: an inner humility able to cross even a great river. This stance brings good results.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Modesty that shows outwardly. A steady, natural humility gives rise to lasting good.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Hardworking and modest: someone who gives effort without boasting may in the end be respected.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)Showing modesty at every step. Staying gentle even in a high position, without belittling anyone, keeps errors away.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Without riches, still able to bring the neighbor alongside. A fair intervention when needed is seen as right.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)The voice of modesty is heard. Training your own forces to set your inner order right is seen as fitting.
Question for reflection
Where could you quietly sustain your worth without needing display?