Influence (Xián)

Judgment

咸：亨，利贞，取女吉。

Plain Meaning：Influence: success through mutual resonance; correctness furthers—taking a wife brings fortune.

Image (Great Commentary)

山上有泽，咸；君子以虚受人。

Line Texts

• 初六咸其拇。

  Influence in the big toe—too shallow yet for action.

• 六二咸其腓，凶，居吉。

  Influence in the calf—moving brings misfortune; staying brings fortune.

• 九三咸其股，执其随，往吝。

  Influence in the thigh, blindly following—going brings humiliation.

• 九四贞吉悔亡，憧憧往来，朋从尔思。

  Steadfastness brings fortune; restless scheming draws only your own circle.

• 九五咸其脢，无悔。

  Influence in the back—impartial; no remorse.

• 上六咸其辅，颊，舌。

  Influence only in jaws and tongue—mere talk moves no one.

Symbolism

A lake on the mountain: mutual attraction and resonance.

Life Lesson

Stay open and sincere; real resonance beats clever words.

Modern Application

Early romance or partnership: build genuine rapport, don’t rush or sweet-talk.

Words of Caution

Influence by lips alone runs shallow.