The Clinging (Lí)

Judgment

离：利贞，亨。畜牝牛，吉。

Plain Meaning：The Clinging: correctness furthers and brings success; nurturing the docility of a cow brings fortune.

Image (Great Commentary)

明两作，离；大人以继明照于四方。

Line Texts

• 初九履错然，敬之无咎。

  Steps crisscrossing at the start—reverent care averts blame.

• 六二黄离，元吉。

  Yellow light of midday—supreme fortune through the middle way.

• 九三日昃之离，不鼓缶而歌，则大耋之嗟，凶。

  The setting sun: without song there is only the lament of old age—misfortune.

• 九四突如其来如，焚如，死如，弃如。

  Sudden as fire it comes—blazing, dying, discarded.

• 六五出涕沱若，戚嗟若，吉。

  Tears and sighs of concern—such vigilance brings fortune.

• 上九王用出征，有嘉折首，获匪其丑，无咎。

  The king strikes the chief evildoer, sparing the followers—no blame.

Symbolism

Brightness doubled: light, clinging and civilization.

Life Lesson

Cling to what is truly bright, with gentleness and correctness.

Modern Application

Choose the right platform and shine steadily; avoid burning hot and dying fast.

Words of Caution

What flares up violently dies out quickly.