Hexagram 36
Darkening of the Light
明夷 · Míng Yí · Işığın Kararması
Upper trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing) · Lower trigram: Fire (illuminating, clinging)
Judgment
Fire enters the earth: the light has sunk below ground, and brightness must hide. This hexagram speaks of the value of guarding the inner light in a time ruled by injustice and hard conditions. Appearing quiet and docile on the outside while staying resilient within is suggested. Hardship is passing; feeding the light from within does not put it out.
Image
The light has sunk into the earth. The noble-minded live among people, concealing their brightness yet keeping their clarity.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)In flight the light droops its wings: the traveler goes three days without eating. Keeping from display in hard times lets you choose your own path.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Wounded in the left thigh: a strong horse rescues. Even if hurt, swift and fitting support can help.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Darkening of the light on a southern hunt: capturing the great leader. Not hurrying and acting patiently is suggested.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)Entering the left side of the belly: reaching the heart of the darkness and leaving the gate. Leaving a harmful setting in time is possible.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Prince Ji’s darkening of the light: steadiness is good. Protecting the light within hardship is an inner firmness.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Not light but darkness: first it climbs to the sky, then it sinks into the earth. Seeing descent after ascent teaches humility.
Question for reflection
In a hard setting, in what quiet way could you protect your inner light?