3. DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING
Chun
The Judgement
DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers.
The Image
Clouds and thunder: The image of DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING. Thus the superior man brings order out of confusion.
The Lines
Six at the top: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow.
The Image says: 'Bloody tears flow.' How could this last long?
Nine in the fifth place: Difficulties in blessing. Perseverance in small matters brings good fortune. Perseverance in great matters brings misfortune.
The Image says: 'Difficulties in blessing.' The blessing is not yet glorious.
Six in the fourth place: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further.
The Image says: To go forward with a clear mind.
Six in the third place: Whoever hunts deer without a forester only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time and prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation.
The Image says: 'To hunt deer without a forester' means to follow the game. The superior man desists, because to go on would lead to humiliation.
Six in the second place: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; he will woo her in due time. The maiden is chaste, she does not pledge herself. Ten years—then she pledges herself.
The Image says: The difficulty of the six in the second place is due to the fact that it rests on a strong line. 'Ten years—then she pledges herself.' This is a return to the regular course.
Nine at the beginning: Hesitation and hindrance. It is favorable to remain persevering. It is favorable to appoint helpers.
The Image says: Although there is hesitation and hindrance, the will is set on the right. A man of rank condescends to the lowly; he wins the hearts of the people.