I Ching Hexagram 19 · Lin

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 19
• Hexagram Name: Lin
• Trigram Image: Kun over Dui (earth above the lake)
• Binary Representation: 000110
• Hexagram Quality: moderately auspicious, symbolizing oversight and guidance; it is favorable to govern with wisdom and virtue and to educate the people, but actions should not be rushed

• Primary Hexagram: Lin Hexagram (Hexagram 19)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Fu Hexagram (Hexagram 24)
• Opposite Hexagram: Dun Hexagram (Hexagram 33)
• Reversed Hexagram: Guan Hexagram (Hexagram 20)

The Lin Hexagram symbolizes those in authority personally coming forward to guide and educate the people. With earth above and the lake below, upper and lower are in harmony. The noble person should govern with wisdom and virtue, remaining steady rather than hasty, and only then can good fortune be achieved.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Lin. Supreme success. Favorable to be correct and steadfast. When it reaches the eighth month, there is misfortune.

The Lin Hexagram is auspicious and smoothly unfolding, symbolizing the arrival of good fortune and success in all matters. However, one must act with steadiness and avoid advancing too hastily. In the eighth month, there may be some misfortune, reminding one to pay attention to timing and restraint.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Earth above the lake: Lin. The noble person, in accordance with this, teaches and reflects without end, and protects the people without limit.

The lower trigram Dui is the lake, joyful and glad; the upper trigram Kun is earth, yielding and steady. Earth above the lake symbolizes oversight, guidance, and the civilizing instruction of the people. The noble person should govern with wisdom and virtue, uphold fairness, educate the people, and safeguard their well-being.

• Symbolism: oversight and guidance, educating the people, harmony between above and below, steadiness without haste
• Structure: Kun above, Dui below; yielding yet joyful, earth high above the lake
• Keywords: Lin, instruction, protecting the people, steadiness, wisdom

The Lin Hexagram emphasizes: governing with wisdom, personally giving guidance, and remaining steady without haste. The noble person should educate the people through virtue, uphold the right way, balance relations between above and below, and seek good fortune through steadiness so as to achieve lasting stability.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Nine: Approaching with sincere influence. Constancy brings good fortune.

   With a heart that transforms through genuine feeling, governing those below brings auspiciousness. Philosophical meaning: lead others with sincerity and selflessness, while firmly holding to the right path.

2. Nine in the Second Place: Approaching with sincere influence. Good fortune. Nothing is unfavorable.

   Governing the people with gentle policies brings good fortune and no harm. Philosophical meaning: be humble, gentle, and compliant; proceed step by step and handle affairs with stability.

3. Six in the Third Place: Sweet approach. Nothing is gained. If one becomes concerned about it, there is no blame.

   The position is improper; relying only on pleasing words brings no benefit, but self-examination and correction prevent serious harm. Philosophical meaning: when looking down from a high position, one must reflect on oneself and use introspection to avoid misfortune.

4. Six in the Fourth Place: Complete approach. No blame.

   Personally attending to affairs of state, being properly placed, brings no harm. Philosophical meaning: uphold humility and receptivity, assist the ruler from near at hand, and actively recommend the worthy and capable.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: Wise approach. This is fitting for a great ruler. Good fortune.

   Governing with insight embodies the proper bearing of a ruler and naturally brings good fortune. Philosophical meaning: rule with wisdom and follow the doctrine of the mean, and thus attain auspicious success.

6. Top Six: Sincere and generous approach. Good fortune. No blame.

   Governing the people with honesty and generosity brings good fortune and no disaster. Philosophical meaning: keep kindness and uprightness in the heart, treat others with tolerance, and handle affairs with steadiness.

Guidance for Everyday Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

Good fortune is arriving and matters can go smoothly, but actions must remain steady. Do not act with excessive haste, or there may be minor misfortune.

Career and Finances:

It is suitable to seize favorable opportunities and move your work forward actively, but decisions should be made carefully. Advance steadily and unite with others to break new ground together.

Business can go smoothly and profits may be gained, but it is important to watch market conditions and guard against unexpected developments.

Love and Relationships:

Relationships can be happy and harmonious; handle them with sincerity and patience.

Physical and Mental State:

Overall health is generally sound, but attention should be paid to treating minor ailments early and maintaining healthy routines.

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

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of the Lin Hexagram lies in governing with wisdom, personally offering guidance, and remaining steady without haste; by educating the people and upholding the right path, all things may prosper.