The Fifteenth Hexagram of the I Ching · Humility

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 15
• Hexagram Name: Modesty
• Hexagram Image: ☷ ☶ (a mountain within the earth)
• Binary Representation: 001100
• Hexagram Quality: Auspicious; modest and virtuous, building up gradually, favorable for career and relationships

• Primary Hexagram: Modesty (Hexagram 15)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Deliverance (Hexagram 40)
• Opposite Hexagram: Treading (Hexagram 10)
• Reverse Hexagram: Enthusiasm (Hexagram 16)

The Hexagram of Modesty symbolizes inner elevation and outward lowliness, great merit without self-display, and emphasizes modest virtue, gradual accumulation, and profound virtue that sustains all things.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Modesty. Success. The noble one brings things to completion.

The Hexagram of Modesty signifies smooth progress and good fortune. If the noble one follows the way of humility, gradually accumulating virtue and resources, lasting achievement will ultimately be attained.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Within the earth there is a mountain: Modesty. The noble one reduces excess and augments what is lacking, weighing and distributing things fairly.

The upper trigram Kun is Earth, broad, generous, and yielding; the lower trigram Gen is Mountain, lofty yet not arrogant. The noble one should take the path of modesty, give impartially, gather virtue, and benefit both others and self.

• Symbolism: inner elevation and outward lowliness, modest virtue, profound virtue that sustains all things
• Structure: Kun above, Gen below; yielding outwardly and firm within, advancing step by step
• Keywords: modesty, profound virtue, accumulation, steadiness, smooth progress

The Hexagram of Modesty emphasizes: great merit without self-display, profound virtue that sustains all things, and modest virtue. The noble one should be inwardly elevated and outwardly humble, accumulate steadily, treat others with humility, accord with the Way of Heaven, and in the end accomplish great undertakings.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Six: A modest noble one uses this to cross the great river. Auspicious.

   Yielding and cultivating virtue, proceeding with caution, one meets good fortune even when taking risks. Philosophical meaning: accumulate step by step and act with care.

2. Six in the Second Place: Modesty that is made known. Constancy brings good fortune.

   Wise humility and upright perseverance bring good fortune. Philosophical meaning: profound virtue sustains all things; accumulated goodness becomes virtue.

3. Nine in the Third Place: A hardworking and modest noble one brings things to completion. Auspicious.

   Diligent and humble, such a person wins the allegiance of the people and attains good fortune in the end. Philosophical meaning: diligence and humility move others through virtue.

4. Six in the Fourth Place: Nothing is unfavorable. Display modesty.

   Humble and cautious, one proceeds smoothly without obstruction. Philosophical meaning: act with a low profile, and all things are fitting.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: Not enriched by one's neighbors. It is favorable to use punitive action. Nothing is unfavorable.

   Nurture oneself through modesty, accumulate virtue, and act with justice. Philosophical meaning: sincerity and moral authority help one form many good bonds.

6. Top Six: Modesty that is made known. It is favorable to set armies in motion and march against city and state.

   Acting with humility brings assistance through accord with Heaven. Philosophical meaning: follow the Way of Heaven, act with caution, and remain settled while adapting to change.

Guidance for Everyday Life

Keywords and overall guidance:

Auspicious and peaceful, with a promising future ahead, but arrogance and overbearing pride must be removed.

Career and finances:

Those of noble character will ultimately be entrusted with important roles. Be humble and patient, move forward steadily, and great success in your work is possible.

Manage matters prudently, accumulate little by little, and cooperate sincerely to gain lasting returns.

Love and relationships:

With humility, forbearance, and devoted care for the family, harmony and fulfillment can be achieved.

Physical and emotional state:

Broaden your outlook, be mindful of pent-up feelings, and maintain balance in body and mind.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical discomfort or emotional distress persists or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional first.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of the Hexagram of Modesty lies in great merit without self-display, profound virtue that sustains all things, and modest virtue: by accumulating steadily, one ultimately accomplishes great undertakings.