Hexagram 62
Small Exceeding
小過 · Xiǎo Guò · Küçük Aşırılık
Upper trigram: Thunder (arousing, stirring) · Lower trigram: Mountain (still, resting)
Judgment
Thunder above the mountain: exceeding in small things, excess in modest conduct. This hexagram describes a period when turning to small and everyday tasks rather than great ones is favorable. A flying bird does not sound loudly; staying low is fitting rather than climbing high. Humility and care are the balance of this time.
Image
Thunder on the mountain: the exceeding of the small. The noble-minded give a little extra to respect in conduct, to sorrow in mourning and to thrift in spending.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)The bird flies toward trouble. Striving early and by force to rise can leave the bird weak at height.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Passes the grandfather and meets the grandmother; does not reach the ruler but meets the official. Going through a fitting intermediary rather than directly to the goal is without error.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Not taking enough precaution: someone may strike from behind. Staying alert without taking offense is suggested.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)No error; meeting without exceeding. Going ahead is dangerous and care is needed; constant firmness is not required.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Dense clouds without rain, from our western region. The prince shoots at another in the cave and hits; what is at stake is not progress but finding hidden help.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Passing by without meeting: the bird flies off, an unfavourable sign. A rise that has exceeded measure may leave no place to hold on.
Question for reflection
To which small, everyday task might giving a little more care do you good?