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Hexagram 40 of 64

Deliverance

Deliverance

· Xiè

Zhen (Thunder) · Kan (Water)


The Judgment

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

The six lines

Line 1

The first SIX, divided, shows that its subject will commit no error.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject catch, in hunting, three foxes, and obtain the yellow (= golden) arrows. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line 3

The third SIX, divided, shows a porter with his burden, (yet) riding in a carriage. He will (only) tempt robbers to attack him. However firm and correct he may (try to) be, there will be cause for regret.

Line 4

(To the subject of) the fourth NINE, undivided, (it is said), 'Remove your toes. Friends will (then) come, between you and whom there will be mutual confidence.'

Line 5

The fifth SIX, divided, shows (its subject), the superior man (= the ruler), executing his function of removing (whatever is injurious to the idea of the hexagram), in which case there will he good fortune, and confidence in him will be shown even by the small men.

Line 6

In the sixth SIX, divided, we see a feudal prince (with his bow) shooting at a falcon on the

Core themes

  • release
  • relief
  • forgiveness
  • fresh start

Classical text: James Legge's translation (1882, public domain), shown in English. Translations are on their way.

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