I Ching Hexagram 16: ENTHUSIASM (Yu)

The Judgement

ENTHUSIASM. It furthers one to install helpers And to set armies marching.

The Image

Thunder comes resounding out of the earth: The image of ENTHUSIASM. Thus the ancient kings made music In order to honor merit, And offered it with splendor to the Supreme Deity, Inviting their ancestors to be present.

The Lines

6

Six at the top

Deluded enthusiasm. But if one changes when one has come to completion, there is no blame.

The Image says: 'Deluded enthusiasm at the top.' How could this last long?

5

Six in the fifth place

Persistently ill, and still does not die.

The Image says: 'The six in the fifth place is persistently ill,' because it rests on a strong line. 'And still does not die,' because the middle has not yet been lost.

4

Nine in the fourth place

The source of enthusiasm. He achieves great things. Do not doubt. You gather friends around you as a hair clasp gathers the hair.

The Image says: 'The source of enthusiasm. He achieves great things.' The will is carried out on a grand scale.

3

Six in the third place

Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse. Hesitation brings remorse.

The Image says: 'Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse,' because the place is not the right one.

2

Six in the second place

Firm as a rock. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune.

The Image says: 'Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune,' because it is central and correct.

1

Six at the beginning

Enthusiasm that expresses itself brings misfortune.

The Image says: 'Enthusiasm that expresses itself at the beginning' brings misfortune, because the will is exhausted.

The Wisdom of Hexagram — An Eastern Perspective

The Trap of Comfort and the Power of Enthusiasm

Hexagram 16 (Yü/Enthusiasm) explores the paradox of joy. On one hand, Enthusiasm is the energy of creation. The I Ching tells us that in this state, "It is advantageous to appoint princes and march armies." When we move in harmony with the times and the people (顺以动), joy becomes the fuel to build empires and accomplish great deeds.

However, the hexagram offers a sharp warning: "We are born in hardship, but we die in comfort."

Yü represents a time of ease, and ease is the breeding ground for laziness. The structure of the hexagram—one Yang line surrounded by five Yin lines—suggests a situation where everyone is drawn to the source of pleasure (Line 4). But the I Ching warns us to keep a cool distance. Indulging in pleasure leads to losing one's path.

The lines vividly describe the dangers of getting lost:

"Boastful Enthusiasm": Bragging about your luck leads to misfortune (Line 1).
"Fawning Enthusiasm": Looking to others for pleasure destroys your integrity (Line 2).
"Darkened Enthusiasm": Being completely addicted to pleasure (Top Line) leads to ruin.

Summary: The lesson of Hexagram 16 is to stay awake. Enjoy the music and the moment, but do not let the comfort dull your ambition. We must "prepare for danger in times of peace." If we get lost in the celebration, extreme joy will inevitably turn to sorrow (乐极生悲).