![]() Without changing lines, the hexagram sometimes refers to provocations in which one is "legitimately” tempted to a self-righteous display of "power.” Remember that other people's ego-trips are none of your concern: the superior man does not respond to them with other than dignified reserve. Note that lines two and four are the most positively forceful lines in the hexagram and that both imply restraint of power as the proper way to attain one's goals. Truly Great Power, as the Judgment tells us, is derived from our will to restrain our emotions, instincts and appetites. This is certainly Great Power, but in such a crude form it cannot be truthfully called The Power of the Great. The ram/goat is mentioned in four of the six lines of the hexagram. Since this hexagram is the preceding figure of Retreat turned upside down, one can imagine the two together as a person retreating across a pasture pursued by a charging beast. The figure is usually compared with the image of a ram or goat - the four lower dynamic lines being the body, and the two upper magnetic lines representing the horns. Such is seldom the case - the hexagram depicts a charge of latent energy which must be properly managed. It is too easy to misinterpret this hexagram as a clear injunction to take unilateral action. The Power of the Great suggests the might of kings and emperors, and implies "superior" power wielded at one's own discretion. Wilhelm and Blofeld translate this hexagram as The Power of the Great., but I prefer Liu's rendition of Great Power, because it has a more neutral connotation. The Superior Man does nothing that is not in accordance with the principles of the Work. That the attributes of heaven and earth are displayed means that the power of men should be a reflection of the great power which we see impartially working in nature.Ĭh'eng-tzu says on the Image: "Thunder rolling in the sky and making all things shake is the symbol of Great Power." In relating its application to man, he quotes a beautiful saying of antiquity: "The strong man is he who overcomes himself." In the Confucian commentary, "that which is great” denotes the group of four dynamic lines which strikes us on looking at the figure, and also the superior men in positions of power, of whom these are the representatives. The lower trigram symbolizes Strength, the upper symbolizes Movement. Is strength alone enough for the conduct of affairs? Of course not! Strength must always be subordinated to the idea of right, and exerted only in harmony with it. Legge: Because the dynamic lines predominate in Great Power,the figure suggests a state in which there is an abundance of strength and vigor. The attributes of heaven and earth are displayed when firmness and correctness attain their ideal state. But that which is great necessitates firm correctness. The trigram of Strength directs the trigram of Movement, and hence the whole is expressive of vigor. Thus the jun zi does not practice what is not proper.Ĭonfucius/Legge: In Great Powerwe see that which is great becoming strong. Wu: There is thunder above heaven this is Great Strength. Thus do superior people refrain from what is improper.Ĭleary (2): … Developed people do not do what is improper. A chun tzu uses no codes whatever, nowhere treading.Ĭleary (1): Thunder is up in the sky, with great power. Ritsema/Karcher: Thunder located above heaven. The superior man's conduct does not oppose the rules. Liu: Thunder in the sky above symbolizes Great Power. The Superior Man never takes a step involving impropriety. Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths that do not accord with established order.īlofeld: This hexagram symbolizes thunder in the sky. Wilhelm/Baynes: Thunder in heaven above: The image of The Power of the Great. ![]() The superior man, in accordance with this, does not take one step that is not in accordance with propriety. Legge: The image of thunder over heaven forms the hexagram of Great Power. Wu: Great Strength indicates that it is advantageous to be persevering. Shaughnessy: Great Maturity: Beneficial to determine.Ĭleary(1): Great power is beneficial when correct. Ritsema/Karcher: Great Invigorating, Harvesting Trial. Persistence in a righteous course brings reward. Perseverance furthers.īlofeld: The Power of the Great. Legge: Great Power necessitates firm correctness. Other titles: The Power of the Great, The Symbol of Great Vigor, Persons of Great Authority, Great Strength, Great Invigorating, Great Maturity, Accumulated Force, The Strength of the Mighty, Righteous Power, Excessive Force ![]()
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