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Yi Jing [I Ching]: The Book of Changes

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Hexagram 27

Yí [The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)]

  Original Translation
The Image At the foot of the mountain, thunder
Gèn (Keeping Still, Mountain) above, Zhèn (The Arousing, Thunder) below.
The Judgment Yí indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

Yí indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune:'--when the nourishing is correct, there will be good fortune. 'We must look at what we are seeking to nourish:'--we must look at those whom we wish to nourish. 'We must by the exercise of our thoughts seek the proper aliment:'--we must look to our own nourishing of ourselves.

Heaven and earth nourish all things. The sages nourish men of talents and virtue, by them to reach to the myriads of the people. Great is (the work intended by this) nourishing in its time!

(The trigram representing) a mountain and under it that for thunder form Yí. The superior man, in accordance with this, (enjoins) watchfulness over our words, and the temperate regulation of our eating and drinking.
Line 1 The first NINE, undivided, (seems to be thus addressed), 'You leave your efficacious tortoise, and look at me till your lower jaw hangs down.' There will be evil.
'You look at me till your (lower) jaw hangs down:'--(the subject of the line) is thus shown unfit to be thought noble.
Line 2 The second SIX, divided, shows one looking downwards for nourishment, which is contrary to what is proper; or seeking it from the height (above), advance towards which will lead to evil.
'The evil of advance by the subject of the second SIX, (divided),' is owing to his leaving in his movements his proper associates.
Line 3 The third SIX, divided, shows one acting contrary to the method of nourishing. However firm he may be, there will be evil. For ten years let him not take any action, (for) it will not be in any way advantageous.
'For ten years let him not take any action:'--his course is greatly opposed (to what is right).
Line 4 The fourth SIX, divided, shows one looking downwards for (the power to) nourish. There will be good fortune. Looking with a tiger's downward unwavering glare, and with his desire that impels him to spring after spring, he will fall into no error.
'The good fortune attached to looking downwards for (the power to) nourish,' shows how brilliant will be the diffusion (of that power) from (the subject of the line's) superior position.
Line 5 The fifth SIX, divided, shows one acting contrary to what is regular and proper; but if he abide in firmness, there will be good fortune. He should not, (however, try to) cross the great stream.
'The good fortune from abiding in firmness' is due to the docility (of the subject of the line) in following (the subject of the line) above.
Line 6 The sixth NINE, undivided, shows him from whom comes the nourishing. His position is perilous, but there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

'The good fortune, notwithstanding the peril of his position, of him from whom comes the nourishing,' affords great cause for congratulation.
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