I-Ching No.55 of the 64 Hexagrams

Back in Hong Kong, and since my primary and secondary education years, I am gifted to know, brought up with and are still very closely related with a group of individuals. The friendship among us is very different than those traditionally perceived. Imagine that it has been almost 40 years that we know each other, and we have spent (in accumulation) a lot of time together. Although we still disagree on a lot of issues, we always treasure the "intellectual interaction" that we have whenever we sit down together (over a dinner table or a cup of coffee). Though I must admit, since my immigration to Canada, the chance of meeting up becomes scarce opportunity. After said this, thanks to the latest internet technology, we are still able to maintain some kind of "intellectual interaction" from time to time. Below is one of the example.

When George learned about Mr Cancer has returned last week, like last time, he consulted I-Ching, probably the oldest book in fortune telling. The hexagram he drawn was No.55, and for ease of reference, here below is the original text. You would notice that there is a "General Meaning" which elaborated the meaning of the text based on it's historical background. Meanwhile, there is an "Academic Meaning" which explained the symbolic meaning of the hexagram. Accordingly, this is a "positive/good" hexagram. Then, people usually would then imply the understanding of this hexagram and apply in his own case, and therefore, in my case, it's about my Cancer returned.

Here is the interpretation: Making good progress and development. I have reached a point that there is no fear or anxious, and nothing to worry about. Let it be as the "sun at noon". Let it shine as bright as possible.... Yes, let it shine as bright as possible!

George, after studying I-Ching for all these years, openly (and in great humbleness) admitted that he does not understand the text, but as the hexagram ended with a "good" word, the overall meaning should be good. This prompted me to read this hexagram in more details, and as you may observed from the "academic meaning" listed below, it actually composes of both good fortune and evil, and he also broke his arm, etc. The important message here, I gathered, if I stand undivided and firmly stayed the path, "good fortune" will come! If you think again, no matter what difficulty you are facing, as long as you stand undivided (faith unshaken) and firmly stayed the path with good confidence in yourself, especially maintain a positive attitude, "good fortune" has already come. It has indeed arrived and no need to wait for tomorrow! Thank you George!

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Hexagram Number 55
Keyword(s): Greatness
Symbolic of: greatness
THE FĂNG HEXAGRAM



The General Meaning
Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.

Explanation of the separate lines
1. The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject meeting with his mate. Though they are both of the same character, there will be no error. Advance will call forth approval.
2. The second SIX, divided, shows its subject surrounded by screens so large and thick that at midday he can see from them the constellation of the Bushel. If he go (and try to enlighten his ruler who is thus of emblem), he will make himself to be viewed with suspicion and dislike. Let him cherish his feeling of sincere devotion that he may thereby move (his ruler's mind), and there will be good fortune.
3. The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject with an (additional) screen of a large and thick banner, through which at midday he can see (the small) Mei star. (In the darkness) he breaks his right arm; but there will be no error.
4. T he fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject in a tent so large and thick that at midday he can see from it the constellation of the Bushel. But he meets with the subject of the (first) line, undivided like himself. There will be good fortune.
5. The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject bringing around him the men of brilliant ability. There will be occasion for congratulation and praise. There will be good fortune.
6. The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject with his house made large, but only serving as a screen to his household. When he looks at his door, it is still, and there is nobody about it. For three years no one is to be seen. There will be evil.