Hexagram 31 — Hsien, Influence (Wooing)

31. Hsien - Influence (Wooing)
Above (in front): Tui - The Joyous (Lake)
Below (behind): Kên - Keeping Still (Mountain)




The Judgement for the Current Situation

Influence. Success.
Perseverance furthers.
To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.


The Image for the Current Situation

A lake on the mountain:
The image of Influence.
Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him
By his readiness to receive them.

The Lines

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

Top line:

The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks and tongue.

Fifth line:
The influence shows itself in the back of the neck.
No remorse.

Fourth line:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
If a man is agitated in mind,
And his thoughts go hither and thither,
Only those friends
On whom he fixes his conscious thoughts
Will follow.

Third line:
The influence shows itself in the thighs.
Holds to that which follows it.
To continue is humiliating.

Second line:
The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs.
Misfortune.
Tarrying brings good fortune.

Bottom line:
The influence shows itself in the big toe.