Darkening of the Light (Míng Yí)

Judgment

明夷：利艰贞。

Plain Meaning：Darkening of the light: it profits to remain steadfast in hardship—hide your brilliance.

Image (Great Commentary)

明入地中，明夷；君子以莅众，用晦而明。

Line Texts

• 初九明夷于飞，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食，有攸往，主人有言。

  Wounded in flight, wings drooping; the noble flees three days without food, met with reproach.

• 六二明夷，夷于左股，用拯马壮，吉。

  Wounded in the left thigh, saved by a strong horse—fortune.

• 九三明夷于南狩，得其大首，不可疾贞。

  Hunting in the south, seizing the great chief—but do not correct too hastily.

• 六四入于左腹，获明夷之心，于出门庭。

  Entering the left side, grasping the dark ruler’s heart, then leaving the gate.

• 六五箕子之明夷，利贞。

  Like the Viscount of Ji hiding his light—steadfastness furthers.

• 上六不明晦，初登于天，后入于地。

  Not light but dark—first mounting to heaven, then sinking into the earth.

Symbolism

Light sunk into the earth: the worthy suffer in dark times.

Life Lesson

In dark times, keep inner clarity while dimming your outer show; hold to principle.

Modern Application

When suppressed or overlooked, keep a low profile and hold your line.

Words of Caution

Flaunting brilliance in dark times invites harm.