I Ching Hexagram 43: BREAK-THROUGH (RESOLUTENESS) (Kuai)

The Judgement

BREAK-THROUGH. One must resolutely make the matter known At the court of the king. It must be announced in truth. Danger. It is necessary to notify one's own city. It does not further to resort to arms. It furthers one to undertake something.

The Image

The lake has risen up to heaven: The image of BREAK-THROUGH. Thus the superior man Dispenses riches downward And refrains from resting on his virtue.

The Lines

6

Six at the top

No cry. In the end misfortune comes.

The Image says: The misfortune of 'no cry' is that in the end it cannot last.

5

Nine in the fifth place

In dealing with weeds, one must be rootedly resolute. To walk in the middle remains without blame.

The Image says: 'To walk in the middle remains without blame.' The middle is not yet glorious.

4

Nine in the fourth place

There is no skin on his thighs, and walking is difficult. If one lets oneself be led like a sheep, remorse disappears. But if these words are heard, they will not be believed.

The Image says: 'Walking is difficult,' because the place is not the right one. 'If these words are heard, they will not be believed,' because the hearing is not clear.

3

Nine in the third place

To be powerful in the cheekbones brings misfortune. The superior man is firmly resolved. He walks alone and is caught in the rain. He is bespattered and people murmur against him. No blame.

The Image says: 'The superior man is firmly resolved.' In the end there is no blame.

2

Nine in the second place

A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and at night. Fear nothing.

The Image says: 'Fear nothing in regard to arms,' because one has found the middle way.

1

Nine at the beginning

Mighty in the forward-striding toes. When one goes and is not equal to the task, one makes a mistake.

The Image says: 'When one goes and is not equal to the task, one makes a mistake.'

The Wisdom of Hexagram — An Eastern Perspective

The Perils of Decisive Action

Hexagram 43 (Kuai/Break-through) depicts a dramatic moment: five strong Yang lines ascending to push out the last remaining Yin line at the top. It signifies a time when the forces of light are dominant, and the removal of corruption seems inevitable. Yet, the I Ching warns that this final step is often the most dangerous.

To eliminate evil effectively, brute force is not enough. The text outlines a sophisticated strategy based on Moral Superiority. One must first openly denounce the guilt of the adversary in the court of public opinion, ensuring that the action is driven by justice rather than private vendetta. Even when victory seems assured, Vigilance is paramount; the easier the task appears, the more caution is required to avoid a backlash.

The hexagram analyzes the pitfalls of this struggle through its lines. It warns that rushing in blindly at the start (Line 1) leads to immediate failure, while those in power (Line 2) must remain armed and alert even at night. It cautions the strong (Line 3) to hide their intent, for outward aggression invites disaster. It admonishes the indecisive (Line 4) to stop struggling and follow the collective wisdom, and sternly warns the leader (Line 5) against the seduction of being too close to the corruption—like weeds in a garden, they must be uprooted with firm resolve.

Summary: Kuai reveals that fighting "Inferior Men" is a long, arduous struggle that requires more character than strength. The ultimate goal is "Resolution without Violence"—controlling the situation with such virtue and preparation that the evil is removed at its root, leaving no room for it to return.