The tree on the mountainside.I-Ching Hexagram 53 – Chien – Development (Gradual Progress)
53-development-(gradual-progress)
the trigram above – SUN – the Gentle, Wind, Wood
the trigram below – KEN – Keeping Still, Mountain
from the Wilhelm-Baynes translation of “The I Ching or Book of Changes“
This hexagram is made up of Sun (wood, penetration) above, i.e., without, and Ken (mountain, stillness) below, i.e., within. A tree on a mountain develops slowly according to the law of its being and consequently stands firmly rooted. This gives the idea of a development that proceeds gradually, step by step. The attributes of the trigrams also point to this: within is tranquillity, which guards against precipitate actions, and without is penetration, which makes development and progress possible.
THE JUDGMENT
DEVELOPMENT. The maiden
Is given in marriage.
Good fortune.
Perseverance furthers.
The development of events that leads to a girl’s following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage takes place. This principle of gradual development can be applied to other situations as well; it is always applicable where it is a matter of correct relationships of co-operation, as for instance in the appointment of an official. The development must be allowed to take its proper course. Hasty action would not be wise. This is also true, finally, of any effort to exert influence on others, for here too the essential factor s a correct way of development through cultivation of ones own personality. No influence such as that exerted by agitators has a lasting effect.
Within the personality too, development must follow the same course if lasting results are to be achieved. Gentleness that is adaptable, but at the same time penetrating, is the outer form that should proceed from inner calm.
The very gradualness of the development makes it necessary to have perseverance, for perseverance along prevents slow progress from dwindling to nothing.
THE IMAGE
On the mountain, a tree;
The image of DEVELOPMENT.
Thus the superior man bides in dignity and virtue,
In order to improve the mores.
The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on one’s own moral development.
A Guide to the I Ching [Paperback]A reviewer,
This is a truly magnificent work written by a very wise lady. If you are at all interested in developing yourself using the Wilhelm\Baynes edition of the I Ching you will find this book indispensible. It is astoundingly insightful and must be regarded as a major achievement along with her other top book "The Philosophy of the I Ching". I read both of these daily. Many many thanks.
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1 comment:
I agree absolutely about the Carol Anthony books.
She has written a more recent version with Hannah Moog that is fascinating, but uses a number of concepts, like "imps," that make it difficult for most of us to grasp.
These earlier two books are invaluable.
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