14. Possession in Great Measure (大有)

Line 4

If this line changes it transforms into 26. The Taming Power of the Great (大畜)

4. The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject keeping his great resources under restraint. There will be no error.

Modern reading

Stationed in the upper trigram close to the sovereign line, the fourth yang cautions against excessive display or overbearing ambition. By moderating one's brilliance and setting aside pomp, one remains entirely without blame.

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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com).
Page: Hexagram 14 大有 — Line 4.
Interpret through classical principles in two layers: 1) Structural Evidence: identify key line dynamics, changing line pivot, or element balance. 2) Actionable Verdict: direct answer to the inquiry in plain language, followed by 2–3 concrete next steps (action-verb first) and mindful cautions. Grounded wisdom for self-reflection. Source page:
https://eastalmanac.com/yijing/14/4

I Ching casting

Occupying the first station of the upper Fire trigram, this yang line borders the yin sovereign at the fifth position, sitting in a naturally sensitive proximity to ultimate authority.

The classical text counsels against ostentation—expressed in the formula 'not boasting of abundance'—while the Xiang commentary praises lucid discernment in recognizing the need for restraint as the hexagram transforms into Hexagram 26, Da Chu.

Curbing pride and relinquishing outward vanity allows the line to avert suspicion from above and envy from below. In brief, stepping back from self-promotion and staying modest shields you from vulnerability.

Career

You operate close to the executive center or in a high-visibility role where your talents are clearly evident to everyone. At this juncture, flaunting your leverage or claiming outsized credit will only provoke defensive reactions from peers and leaders.

Choosing a cooperative, subdued posture reassures decision-makers that you are an ally rather than a rival. The plain truth is that letting others shine while you quietly do excellent work keeps your position completely secure.

Love & relationships

In personal life, dynamic intensity or strong opinions might inadvertently dominate your partner, creating an unbalanced dynamic. Classical perspective advises curbing any impulse to control decisions or showcase superiority within the domestic sphere.

Practicing active listening and demonstrating gentle consideration restores warmth and mutual respect. To put it simply, softening your tone and stepping back from control makes your relationship far more comfortable.

Wealth

While current cash flow or material standings appear prosperous, this is a moment to avoid ostentatious spending or vanity-driven commitments. Expanding lifestyle overhead or staging grandiose displays creates unnecessary exposure and draws unfavorable attention.

Prioritizing defensive capital preservation over aggressive posturing safeguards your core reserves. In short, cut back on flashy expenses and keep your lifestyle unpretentious to preserve what you have earned.

References

Original text

Small Image

‘He keeps his great resources under restraint:’—his wisdom discriminates clearly (what he ought to do).

Classical commentary

Zhouyi BenyiSmall Image

Peng has the fanqie pu-guang, pronounced like pang. The sound and meaning of the character peng are not completely clear; Master Cheng's Commentary says it means an appearance of fullness and abundance, which is likely correct.

Six in the Fifth Place is a yielding, central ruler; Nine in the Fourth Place, being firm, approaches it closely, which incurs suspicion of usurpation and encroachment.

Yet because it dwells in a yielding position, it presents the image of not pushing its abundance to the extreme, thereby remaining free of blame. The diviner should be admonished to act accordingly. Xi means clear and discerning.

Yichuan YizhuanLine statement

The Xiang Commentary says: 'Not his abundance, no blame: his bright discernment is clear.' Being able to avoid dwelling in fullness and abundance to remain without blame is due to having the wisdom of bright discernment. Xi means bright and wise.

A worthy and wise person clearly discerns the principles of things; when flourishing is at its height, he knows that blame is about to arrive, and therefore curbs and restrains himself, not daring to reach overflowing extremes.

Zhouyi ZhuSmall Image

Having lost its proper position, while closely approaching the majesty of the supreme sovereign above and drawing near to a minister who shares authority below, its peril may well be called precarious. Only one endowed with sagacious wisdom can escape this blame.

Though the Third is exceedingly flourishing, the Fifth cannot be abandoned. If one can discern this principle, devoting one's heart to serving the Fifth and consistently rejecting what is beside it, there will be 'no blame.' What is beside it refers to the Third.

Zhouyi ZhengyiSmall Image

'Nine in the Fourth Place: not his abundance, no blame.' The Sub-commentary says: 'Not his abundance, no blame': fei means not; peng means beside.

It means Nine in the Third Place is beside Nine in the Fourth Place; if Nine in the Fourth Place can devote his heart to serving the Fifth and not take what is beside him, it means not relying on the Third. In this way he attains 'no blame.'

Having lost his proper position, closely approaching the majesty of the supreme sovereign above and drawing near to a minister who shares authority below, his situation may well be called precarious. Being able to abandon the Third and turn to the Fifth, he attains 'no blame.'

The Sub-commentary says: 'His bright discernment is clear' explains the meaning of 'not his abundance, no blame.' Brightness is like talent.

The reason Nine in the Fourth Place can cast aside Nine in the Third Place beside him is that his talent and nature are discerning and lucidly wise, capable of weighing what is fitting in affairs; hence it is said, 'his bright discernment is clear.'

Yicuo JinLine statement

Nine in the Fourth Place; Fourth Line, Supreme-Auspicious: Encountering danger brings no sorrow, what fear can winds and waves provoke? Should you meet a person under grass, the blue cloud path lies just a step away.