Name: The Devil
Number: 15
Article: yes
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Ground: Kên, Li, Sun
Meaning:
Ming I / Darkening of the Light
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The Hexagram
Ming I / Darkening of the Light
Above K'UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
Below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
Here
the sun has sunk under the earth and is therefore darkened. The name of
the hexagram means literally "wounding of the bright"; hence the
individual lines contain frequent references to wounding. The situation
is the exact opposite of that in the foregoing hexagram. In the latter
a wise man at the head of affairs has able helpers, and in company with
them makes progress; here a man of dark nature is in a position of
authority and brings harm to the wise and able man.
The Judgment
DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. In adversity
It furthers one to be persevering.
One
must not unresistingly let himself be swept along by unfavorable
circumstances, nor permit his steadfastness to be shaken. He can avoid
this by maintaining his inner light, while remaining outwardly yielding
and tractable. With this attitude he can overcome even the greatest
adversities.
In
some situations indeed a man must hide his light, in order to make his
will prevail inspite of difficulties in his immediate environment.
Perseverance must dwell in inmost consciousness and should not be
discernible from without. Only thus is a man able to maintain his will
in the face of difficulties.
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth:
The image of DARKENING OF THE LIGHT.
Thus does the superior man live with the great mass:
He veils his light, yet still shines.
In
a time of darkness it is essential to be cautious and reserved. One
should not needlessly awaken overwhelming enmity by inconsiderate
behavior. In such times one ought not to fall in with the practices of
others; neither should one drag them censoriously into the light. In
social intercourse one should not try to be all-knowing. One should let
many things pass, without being duped.