#62
Preponderance of the Small
小過
— Xiǎo Guò
Upper trigram: Thunder (Zhèn) · Lower trigram: Mountain (Gèn)
Overall meaning
Hexagram Preponderance of the Small symbolizes small excess and exceeding in small matters. Upper trigram is Thunder, lower is Mountain — thunder over the mountain, the image of birds flying over the peak. Small Excess is exceeding a little — this is a time for small actions, exceeding slightly to reach the right.
Judgment text (Thoán từ)
Preponderance of the Small: success — perseverance furthers — small things may be done — great things should not be done — the bird in flight brings the message — it is not well to strive upward, it is well to remain below — great good fortune. Doing small things within capacity beats risking great ones.
Line texts (6 lines)
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1
First Six: The bird meets with misfortune through flying. Reckless excess — misfortune.
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2
Second Six: She passes by her ancestor and meets her ancestress — he does not reach his prince and meets the official — no blame. Reach the right person rather than overreach for the too-high.
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3
Third Nine: If one is not extremely careful, somebody may come up from behind and strike him — misfortune. Lack of vigilance invites attack from behind.
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4
Fourth Nine: No blame — he meets him without passing by — going brings danger; one must be on guard — do not act, be constantly persevering. In the right place, no excess — go cautiously.
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5
Fifth Six: Dense clouds, no rain from our western territory — the prince shoots and hits him who is in the cave. Near the goal but not yet — be more patient.
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6
Top Six: He passes him by, not meeting him — the flying bird leaves him — misfortune — this means bad luck and injury. Exceeding necessary limits — falls into a trap — misfortune.
Applications by topic
- Marriage
- In love, small caring acts have great value. Don't try to do too big and miss small important things.
- Career
- Suited to small, manageable tasks. Don't take on more than capacity. Done well, small things build reputation.
- Wealth
- Small, safe investment over big risk. Accumulate bit by bit. Don't exceed personal financial limits.
- Health
- Small lifestyle changes have great effect. No need for radical reform — improve in small steps. Watch ears and nerves.
- Lawsuit
- Resolve issues one small at a time. No ambition to win all — yield small to win big. Practical strategy over idealism.
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