The Art of Nourishment for Body and Soul
Hexagram 27 (I/The Corners of the Mouth) presents a visual image of an open mouth: strong lines above and below enclosing emptiness. This symbol governs the universal laws of Nourishment—what we put into our bodies (food) and what comes out of our mouths (words).
But the I Ching goes deeper than mere diet. It divides nourishment into two realms: feeding the physical body and cultivating the virtuous character.
The hexagram reveals a stark contrast between the restless and the stillness. The lower half (Thunder) represents those who are restless and actively seek nourishment from others; because they cannot feed themselves and beg improperly, their path is fraught with misfortune. In contrast, the upper half (Mountain) represents those who are still and self-sufficient. They find nourishment within and are thus able to feed others, leading to good fortune.
This structure teaches us a profound lesson in independence. The two strong Yang lines at the top and bottom act as the providers, sheltering the weak Yin lines inside. The ultimate ruler (Top Line) carries the burden of feeding the whole world. Thus, the highest wisdom of I is summarized in the Confucian ideal: "To establish oneself in order to establish others" (己立立人). True prosperity comes not from greedily seeking to be fed, but from following the Right Path ("Yang Cheng")—cultivating one's own character so that one becomes a source of nourishment for all.
