Hexagram 51 — Chên, The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)

51. Chên - The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)
Above (in front): Chên - The Arousing (Thunder)
Below (behind): Chên - The Arousing (Thunder)




The Judgement for the Current Situation

Shock brings success.
Shock comes--oh, oh!
Laughing words--ha, ha!
The shock terrifies for a hundred miles,
And he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.


The Image for the Current Situation

Thunder repeated: the image of Shock.
Thus in fear and trembling
The superior man sets his life in order
And examines himself.

The Lines

Please remember: I Ching lines are counted upwards (starting at the bottom line)!

Top line:

Shock brings ruin and terrified gazing around.
Going ahead brings misfortune.
If is has not yet touched one's own body
But has reached one's neighbor first,
There is no blame.
One's comrades have something to talk about.

Fifth line:
Shock goes hither and thither.
Danger.
However, nothing at all is lost.
Yet there are things to be done.

Fourth line:
Shock is mired.

Third line:
Shock comes and makes one distraught.
If shock spurs to action
One remains free of misfortune.

Second line:
Shock comes bringing danger.
A hundred thousand times
You lose your treasures
And must climb the Change hills.
Do not go in pursuit of them.
After seven days you will get them back.

Bottom line:
Shock comes--oh, oh!
Then follow laughing words--ha, ha!
Good fortune.