Hexagram 22
Grace
賁 · Bì · Zarafet
Upper trigram: Mountain (still, resting) · Lower trigram: Fire (illuminating, clinging)
Judgment
Fire beneath the mountain: evening light adorns the slopes for a moment. This hexagram speaks of the value of form, aesthetics and grace; yet grace should not be the basis of great decisions. In small matters, beauty and form are fitting, while in large matters one must look at the substance itself. Adornment is strong when it serves the essence.
Image
Fire at the foot of the mountain, grace. The noble-minded illuminate minor matters but do not rely on ornament alone for weighty judgments.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Adorning the toes: leaving the carriage to walk. Giving up showy ease and trusting your own effort is dignified.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Adorning the beard: outward form follows what is within. Ornament without substance is not counted as enough.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Adorned and bathed in grace: a lasting steadiness. Staying faithful to your own line even within beauty is seen as good.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)Grace or plainness: a white horse as if on wings. Not an enemy but a friend arrives; once doubt is cleared, closeness can be formed.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Adornment in the hill garden: a modest gift. A small offering can in the end bring a good result.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Plain, unadorned grace: no error. The highest form is showing the essence as it is.
Question for reflection
How could you ask what lies at the core beneath something that looks beautiful?