I Ching Hexagram 1: THE CREATIVE (Chien)

The Judgement

THE CREATIVE works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance.

The Image

The movement of heaven is powerful. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.

The Lines

6

Nine at the top

Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.

The Image says: 'Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.' What is full cannot last.

5

Nine in the fifth place

Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man.

The Image says: 'Flying dragon in the heavens.' This shows the great man at his work.

4

Nine in the fourth place

Wavering flight over the depths. No blame.

The Image says: 'Wavering flight over the depths.' If he advances, he is not to blame.

3

Nine in the third place

All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame.

The Image says: 'All day long creatively active.' One repeats the way.

2

Nine in the second place

Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man.

The Image says: 'Dragon appearing in the field.' The influence of his virtue is widespread.

1

Nine at the beginning

Hidden dragon. Do not act.

The Image says: 'Hidden dragon. Do not act.' The yang energy is at the bottom.

★

Use of Nines

Appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune.

(This text applies when all lines are changing.)

The Wisdom of Hexagram — An Eastern Perspective

From Potential to Perfection

The meaning of Hexagram 1 (The Creative) is more than just raw power; it maps out a complete path of self-cultivation and personal growth.

From the "Hidden Dragon" (Line 1) to the "Flying Dragon" (Line 5), the I Ching guides us on a journey of evolution. It shows how an ordinary person can transform into a Superior Man (Junzi), and eventually into a Great Man. By following this path of virtue, we can find our true destiny and achieve the highest ideal in Chinese philosophy: the Unity of Heaven and Humanity.

However, the I Ching also offers a warning. The Top Line ("arrogant dragon") and the "Use of Nines" remind us that extreme strength can lead to regret. True wisdom is not just about moving forward, but about maintaining the balance of Yin and Yang. It teaches us that the ultimate strength is knowing when to yield.