Hexagram 27: Nourishment
Hexagram 27, known as Yi (頤) in Chinese, represents the principle of nourishment and cultivation. This hexagram is composed of the mountain trigram above and the thunder trigram below, creating an image of thunder beneath the mountain, symbolizing how proper nourishment sustains and cultivates growth.
Trigram Analysis
The upper trigram is Mountain (☶), composed of one broken line above two solid lines, representing stillness, boundaries, and meditation. The lower trigram is Thunder (☳), composed of one solid line beneath two broken lines, representing movement, initiative, and growth.
When these trigrams combine, they create a metaphor for proper nourishment. Mountain's steadfast presence above thunder's dynamic movement suggests how stable nourishment supports vital growth. This combination points to the importance of proper cultivation and sustenance.
Symbolic Representations
In nature, Hexagram 27 corresponds to the way mountains provide nourishment through their streams and vegetation. This natural metaphor represents how proper care and attention sustain growth and development.
The hexagram also represents the sage who knows how to nourish both self and others appropriately. This human dimension emphasizes the importance of wisdom in providing and receiving nourishment.
Core Meanings and Attributes
The essence of Hexagram 27 is the power of proper nourishment. This manifests as:
The virtue of cultivation. The power of sustenance. The wisdom of care. The importance of proper feeding. The strength of nurturing.
These attributes combine to create a powerful symbol of nourishment. The hexagram suggests a time when proper care and cultivation are essential.
Line Meanings
Each line in Hexagram 27 represents a different aspect of nourishment:
The first line shows setting aside your turtle, suggesting the need to recognize proper nourishment.
The second line indicates perverse nourishment, warning against improper sources of sustenance.
The third line shows contrary nourishment, cautioning against harmful indulgences.
The fourth line demonstrates nourishment from above, indicating receiving guidance and support.
The fifth line shows proper direction in nourishment, representing wise choices in cultivation.
The sixth line reveals the source of nourishment, suggesting alignment with fundamental principles.
Practical Applications
In practical terms, Hexagram 27 often appears when there is a need for proper nourishment or cultivation. It suggests a time when careful attention to sustenance is crucial. The hexagram encourages:
Choosing proper nourishment. Cultivating wisely. Supporting growth. Understanding needs. Maintaining balance.
Relationships with Other Hexagrams
Hexagram 27 has a special relationship with Hexagram 28 (Great Preponderance), as they represent complementary aspects of development. While Hexagram 27 focuses on nourishment, Hexagram 28 deals with critical mass and significant moments.
The hexagram also relates to others that share its trigrams or themes of cultivation and care, providing context for understanding different aspects of nourishment.
Modern Interpretation
In contemporary usage, Hexagram 27 often appears in situations requiring proper nourishment or cultivation. It can indicate:
A time for nurturing. The need for proper care. An opportunity for growth. The importance of sustenance. A reminder of cultivation.
Meditative Implications
As a meditation focus, Hexagram 27 offers insights into the nature of nourishment and cultivation. It invites contemplation of:
The process of nurturing. The role of proper care. The right sources of sustenance. The balance between giving and receiving. The path of cultivation.
Historical Context
In traditional Chinese thought, Hexagram 27 was associated with the concept of proper nourishment and the wise cultivation of self and others. This connection emphasizes its relevance to both personal development and social responsibility.
The hexagram was also linked to the importance of choosing proper sources of sustenance, highlighting how wise nourishment serves both individual and collective growth.
Summary
Hexagram 27 represents the principle of nourishment and cultivation, manifesting as the wisdom of proper care and sustenance. Its combination of mountain and thunder trigrams creates a powerful image of stable nourishment supporting dynamic growth, while its line meanings offer guidance on navigating various aspects of cultivation.
Understanding this hexagram provides insights into the nature of nourishment and the proper approach to cultivation, while its practical applications offer guidance for contemporary situations requiring wise care and attention. Whether appearing in divination or serving as a focus for meditation, Hexagram 27 reminds us that true growth depends on proper nourishment and wise cultivation.
Next Hexagram: Hexagram 28.
Previous Hexagram: Hexagram 26.
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