Managing Critical Mass and Overwhelming Pressure
Hexagram 28 (Ta Kuo/Preponderance of the Great) depicts a moment of critical mass. Following the accumulation of Hexagram 26 and the nourishment of Hexagram 27, the energy has swelled to a breaking point. The structure of the hexagram—four heavy Yang lines weighing down two weak Yin lines—resembles a sagging roof beam. It signifies a time of "Great Excess," where rapid development brings immense pressure and instability.
In this precarious environment, the I Ching offers a manual for Crisis Management. The first rule is absolute Reverence and Caution. As symbolized by the "White Rushes" (Line 1), one must be meticulously careful at the foundation; overlooking small details now leads to disaster later.
To survive the pressure, we must break free from convention. The text encourages Unconventional Cooperation—mixing the hard with the soft, like an old willow tree sprouting new shoots (Line 2). This implies that rigid traditions will fail; only flexibility and new alliances can sustain growth.
However, there is a fine line between innovation and vanity. The hexagram strictly warns against arrogance and superficial displays. Putting on a show without substance—like an old tree flowering just before it dies (Line 5)—only accelerates the collapse.
Ultimately, Ta Kuo demands the highest form of courage. When the crisis peaks, the Superior Man must be willing to "Stand Alone" and, if necessary, "Wade through the water until it covers his head" (Top Line). It teaches us that in extraordinary times, saving the world requires a selfless spirit that fears nothing—not even the ultimate sacrifice.
