Great Power (Dà Zhuàng)

Judgment

大壮：利贞。

Plain Meaning：Great power: correctness furthers—strength must be used justly.

Image (Great Commentary)

雷在天上，大壮；君子以非礼弗履。

Line Texts

• 初九壮于趾，征凶，有孚。

  Power in the toes—advancing brings misfortune, though sincere.

• 九二贞吉。

  Steadfastness brings fortune—strength held in the middle.

• 九三小人用壮，君子用罔，贞厉。羝羊触藩，羸其角。

  The petty flaunt power, the noble refrain; a ram butts a hedge and snags its horns—danger.

• 九四贞吉，悔亡。藩决不羸，壮于大舆之輹。

  Steadfast fortune, remorse gone; the hedge opens, strength like a great axle—free advance.

• 六五丧羊于易，无悔。

  Losing the ram with ease—no remorse; strength given up gently.

• 上六羝羊触藩，不能退，不能遂，无攸利，艰则吉。

  The ram stuck in the hedge, unable to go or retreat—nothing furthers; hardship met rightly turns to fortune.

Symbolism

Thunder in the heavens: great power that must be restrained.

Life Lesson

At the peak of strength, follow propriety and restrain impulse.

Modern Application

When strong, act within bounds; brute force invites setbacks.

Words of Caution

Charging on brute force only snags you.