I Ching 11

第11卦 泰

泰：小往大來，吉亨。

XI. The Thâi Hexagram.

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

初九：拔茅茹以其彙，征吉。

The first line, undivided, suggests the idea of grass pulled up, and bringing with it other stalks with whose roots it is connected. Advance (on the part of its subject) will be fortunate.

九二：包荒。用馮河，不遐遺；朋亡。得尚于中行。

The second line, undivided, shows one who can bear with the uncultivated, will cross the Ho without a boat, does not forget the distant, and has no (selfish) friendships. Thus does he prove himself acting in accordance with the course of the due Mean.

九三：无平不陂，无往不復，艱貞无咎。勿恤其孚，于食有福。

The third line, undivided, shows that, while there is no state of peace that is not liable to be disturbed, and no departure (of evil men) so that they shall not return, yet when one is firm and correct, as he realises the distresses that may arise, he will commit no error. There is no occasion for sadness at the certainty (of such recurring changes); and in this mood the happiness (of the present) may be (long) enjoyed.

六四：翩翩，不富以其鄰；不戒以孚。

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject fluttering (down);—not relying on his own rich resources, but calling in his neighbours. (They all come) not as having received warning, but in the sincerity (of their hearts).

六五：帝乙歸妹，以祉，元吉。

The fifth line, divided, reminds us of (king) Tî-yî's (rule about the) marriage of his younger sister. By such a course there is happiness and there will be great good fortune.

上六：城復于隍，勿用師，自邑告命，貞吝。

The sixth line, divided, shows us the city wall returned into the moat. It is not the time to use the army. (The subject of the line) may, indeed, announce his orders to the people of his own city; but however correct and firm he may be, he will have cause for regret.