Hexagram 34
Great Power
大壯 · Dà Zhuàng · Büyük Güç
Upper trigram: Thunder (arousing, stirring) · Lower trigram: Heaven (strong, initiating)
Judgment
Thunder above heaven: great power and movement come together. This hexagram describes a time when strength grows, but strength is valuable only when used rightly. A surge built on brute force can be brief; a measured and just strength lasts. Being strong does not mean forcing every door.
Image
Thunder above heaven: great power. The noble-minded take no step that is not right.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Power in the toes: pushing ahead is read as unfavourable. Waiting patiently rather than lunging forward unprepared is wise.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Steadiness is good. Staying balanced on the middle path ensures the right use of strength.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)The small-minded show their power; the mature do not use it. The ram butts the hedge and its horns tangle; a show of strength can corner a person.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)Steadiness is good and regret vanishes. The hedge opens and strength gathers in the great cart’s axle; progress becomes possible.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Losing the ram at the border is easy, with no regret. Letting go of force and being gentle brings a new ease.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)The ram butts the hedge, able neither to withdraw nor advance. Nothing is favorable; yet once the difficulty is recognized things can improve.
Question for reflection
In which area would you rather use your strength with measure than push it?