Li · The Clinging

Judgment

利贞，亨，畜牝牛吉。

Perseverance is rewarded, and brings success. Tending the cow brings good fortune.

The Chinese above is the received classical text. The English below it is a plain-language rendering written for this site — not a scholarly translation. The classical wording is terse and genuinely open to more than one reading, so where interpretations diverge we follow the mainstream one.

The Image (Da Xiang)

明两作，离，大人以继明照于四方。

光明接续升起，这是离卦，附丽光明的卦象，象征应当以持续不断的光明照耀四方。

The Six Lines

• First line履错然，敬之无咎。初九 — classical Chinese line text. Translations vary substantially between traditions; consult a scholarly edition for depth.
• Second line黄离，元吉。六二 — classical Chinese line text. Translations vary substantially between traditions; consult a scholarly edition for depth.
• Third line日昃之离，不鼓缶而歌，则大耋之嗟，凶。九三 — classical Chinese line text. Translations vary substantially between traditions; consult a scholarly edition for depth.
• Fourth line突如其来如，焚如，死如，弃如。九四 — classical Chinese line text. Translations vary substantially between traditions; consult a scholarly edition for depth.
• Fifth line出涕沱若，戚嗟若，吉。六五 — classical Chinese line text. Translations vary substantially between traditions; consult a scholarly edition for depth.
• Top line王用出征，有嘉折首，获匪其丑，无咎。上九 — classical Chinese line text. Translations vary substantially between traditions; consult a scholarly edition for depth.

Modern Interpretive Reference

Quality: Moderately Auspicious

Tendency: Clarity and attachment; illumination that depends on support.

Guidance: Stay gentle and centred. Sustained light requires sustained fuel.

This section is editorial reflection written for this site, not classical commentary. Hexagram qualities are not fixed outcomes — context and response matter more than the label. For cultural reflection only; not a basis for any decision.