Coming to Meet (Gòu)

Judgment

姤：女壮，勿用取女。

Plain Meaning：Coming to meet: the woman is powerful—do not marry her; beware the small that grows.

Image (Great Commentary)

天下有风，姤；后以施命诰四方。

Line Texts

• 初六系于金柅，贞吉，有攸往，见凶，羸豕孚蹢躅。

  Checked as by a metal brake—steadfast fortune; let it run and misfortune appears.

• 九二包有鱼，无咎，不利宾。

  A fish in the wrapper—no blame; not to be shared with guests.

• 九三臀无肤，其行次且，厉，无大咎。

  Skinless buttocks, halting steps—danger, but no great blame.

• 九四包无鱼，起凶。

  No fish in the wrapper—misfortune arises.

• 九五以杞包瓜，含章，有陨自天。

  Wrapping the melon with willow, hidden brilliance—blessing falls from heaven.

• 上九姤其角，吝，无咎。

  Meeting at the horn—aloof; slight regret, no blame.

Symbolism

Wind under heaven touching all: chance encounters and guarding the small.

Life Lesson

Check nascent temptations early; in encounters, stay upright and vigilant.

Modern Application

Watch for small temptations and risk signs; contain them early.

Words of Caution

Letting a small force grow unchecked ends in being controlled by it.