Hexagram 58
The Joyous Lake
兌 · Duì · Neşe
Upper trigram: Lake (joyous, sharing) · Lower trigram: Lake (joyous, sharing)
Judgment
Lake upon lake: joy, sharing and mutual nourishment. This hexagram speaks of the value of sincere cheer, friendly conversation and learning from one another. Real joy comes from within and should not be confused with sweet words from outside. When cheer joins with consistency and openness, it nourishes both oneself and one’s surroundings.
Image
Two lakes side by side: joy. The noble-minded converse with friends and learn together.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Harmonious joy: good. Carrying harmony within leaves no need for display outside.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Sincere joy: good, regret vanishes. Joy resting on truth also mends small deviations.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Joy that comes from outside: an unfavourable sign. Joy fed by another’s approval can drag a person into emptiness.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)Weighing joy: unsettled. When choosing, being released from a burden carried for long can bring gladness.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Trusting what is wearing away: danger. Asking what lies in a closeness thought to be reliable is suggested.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Seductive joy: an attractive but empty charm. Returning to inner cheer rather than drawing others in would be measured.
Question for reflection
Which conversation or shared moment gives you truly sincere cheer?