31. INFLUENCE (WOOING)
Hsien
The Judgement
INFLUENCE. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
The Image
A lake on the mountain: The image of INFLUENCE. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him By his readiness to receive them.
The Lines
Six at the top: The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.
The Image says: 'The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.' He is glib of tongue.
Nine in the fifth place: The influence shows itself in the back of the neck. No remorse.
The Image says: 'The influence shows itself in the back of the neck.' The will is at an end.
Nine in the fourth place: Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated in mind, and his thoughts go hither and thither, only those friends on whom he fixes his conscious thoughts will follow.
The Image says: 'Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears.' The influence has not yet done any harm. 'If a man is agitated in mind,' he has not yet achieved anything great.
Nine in the third place: The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds fast to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating.
The Image says: 'The influence shows itself in the thighs.' He does not remain there. The will is directed to following others. What he holds fast to is below.
Six in the second place: The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. To bide one's time brings good fortune.
The Image says: 'Although it is misfortune, to bide one's time brings good fortune,' because in being obedient one does no harm.
Six at the beginning: The influence shows itself in the big toe.
The Image says: 'The influence shows itself in the big toe.' The will is directed to the outside.