36. DARKENING OF THE LIGHT
Ming I
The Judgement
DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. In adversity It furthers one to be persevering.
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth: The image of DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. Thus does the superior man live with the great mass: He veils his light, yet still shines.
The Lines
Six at the top: Not light but darkness. First he climbed up to heaven, then he plunged into the depths of the earth.
The Image says: 'First he climbed up to heaven,' in order to illumine the four quarters of the world. 'Then he plunged into the depths of the earth,' because he lost the rules.
Six in the fifth place: Darkening of the light of the prince of Chi. Perseverance furthers.
The Image says: 'The perseverance of the prince of Chi.' The light cannot be extinguished.
Six in the fourth place: He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets at the heart of the darkening of the light, and leaves gate and courtyard.
The Image says: 'He penetrates the left side of the belly,' in order to get at the inmost thoughts.
Nine in the third place: Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon.
The Image says: 'The will of the hunt in the south' is to achieve great things.
Six in the second place: Darkening of the light, injured in the left thigh. He is saved by a strong horse. Good fortune.
The Image says: The good fortune of the six in the second place is due to its being obedient to the rules.
Nine at the beginning: Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man wanders abroad. For three days he does not eat. He has a place to go. The host has occasion to gossip about him.
The Image says: 'The superior man wanders abroad.' According to right he should not eat.