The Cauldron (Dǐng)

Judgment

鼎：元吉，亨。

Plain Meaning：The cauldron: supreme fortune and success—nourishing the worthy, founding the new.

Image (Great Commentary)

木上有火，鼎；君子以正位凝命。

Line Texts

• 初六鼎颠趾，利出否，得妾以其子，无咎。

  The cauldron tipped—useful for removing the stale; blessing from an odd turn; no blame.

• 九二鼎有实，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。

  The cauldron filled—rivals envy but cannot approach; fortune.

• 九三鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食。方雨亏悔，终吉。

  The handle comes off, movement blocked, the pheasant fat uneaten—rain comes, remorse fades, fortune at last.

• 九四鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。

  The cauldron’s leg breaks, the prince’s meal spilled—unequal to the task; misfortune.

• 六五鼎黄耳金铉，利贞。

  Yellow handles, golden rings—correctness furthers.

• 上九鼎玉铉，大吉，无不利。

  Jade rings on the cauldron—supreme fortune, nothing that does not further.

Symbolism

Fire over wood, cooking to nourish: renewal and responsibility.

Life Lesson

Found the new by securing your position and nurturing talent—never take on more than you can bear.

Modern Application

When institutionalizing, the right people and resources decide success.

Words of Caution

Weak legs under heavy duty end in collapse.