Line 6
Hexagram 27, Line 6 represents the pinnacle of leadership, standing as the primary pillar that nourishes the entire community. Classical readings teach that while immense responsibility carries heightened risk, vigilance and bold initiative bring widespread celebration.
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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com). Page: Hexagram 27 颐 — Line 6. 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/27/6
As the solid yang summit of the Mountain trigram, the top line serves as the fountainhead through which all lower lines receive sustenance.
The classical text pairs danger with good fortune, indicating that sustaining vast endeavors demands acute circumspection alongside decisive courage to cross great streams. Carrying monumental duty with reverent caution leads to profound collective fulfillment.
Holding a pivotal position of influence means that your strategic direction shapes the livelihood and security of the entire collective.
Although executive weight creates intense pressure, your tested capability enables you to navigate major industry shifts and pioneer complex frontiers. Embracing high accountability with careful foresight paves the way for milestone achievements.
Serving as the emotional and material cornerstone of the household demands stamina, yet your dedication creates an unshakeable haven for loved ones.
Classical symbolism reminds us that mutual reliance during demanding seasons elevates romantic bonds into profound life partnerships. Carrying shared responsibilities with unwavering commitment brings deep lasting closeness.
Your operational reach allows you to build expansive value networks that generate prosperity for both yourself and your broader ecosystem. Navigating major market transitions requires bold deployment balanced by strict risk auditing.
Taking measured strategic initiative under rigorous management unlocks substantial compounding returns.
6. The sixth line, undivided, shows him from whom comes the nourishing. His position is perilous, but there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream.
‘The good fortune, notwithstanding the peril of his position, of him from whom comes the nourishing,’ affords great cause for congratulation.
Zhouyi BenyiLine statement
Six in the Fifth Place relies on the nourishment of Top Nine to nourish others, which means things derive their nourishment from Top Nine.
Its station is high and its responsibility heavy, hence it is perilous yet auspicious; with yang firmness at the top, it is advantageous to cross the great river.
Yichuan YizhuanLine statement
Top Nine, with the virtue of firm yang, occupies the office of the grand tutor.
The ruler, Six in the Fifth Place, is yielding, submissive, and follows it, relying on its nourishment; thus it undertakes the responsibility of the realm, and the realm derives its nourishment through it.
For a minister to undertake such a charge, he must constantly harbor a sense of peril and caution, and then there will be good fortune. Men like Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou never ceased to be diligently concerned, cautious, and reverent, and thus achieved ultimate good fortune.
When the ruler's talents are insufficient and he relies on oneself, while oneself shoulders the great charge of the realm, one must exhaust one's talents and strength to rescue the realm from hardship and peril and establish peace and order; hence it is said, 'it is advantageous to cross the great river.'
Receiving such exclusive trust from the ruler and bearing so heavy a responsibility, if one does not rescue the realm from hardship and peril, how could one be worthy of such trust or be called a worthy?
One must devote full sincerity and exert all strength without hesitation, yet vigilance and caution must never be forgotten.
Yichuan YizhuanSmall Image
When Top Nine shoulders such a great responsibility and can be so cautious and reverent, the realm is covered by its virtuous beneficence, which brings great blessings and celebration.
Zhouyi ZhuLine statement
Occupying the top as yang and treading upon four yin lines, the yin cannot be the sole master and must honor the yang. Thus there are none that do not derive their nourishment through it; hence it is called 'source of nourishment' (you yi).
Being master of all the yin, it must not be treated with disrespect, so being stern and cautious brings good fortune.
This resembles the meaning of 'regret and peril' in The Family: being noble yet without official rank is why it is perilous; being high yet possessing the people is why it brings good fortune.
Being the master of nourishment, nothing disobeys it; hence 'it is advantageous to cross the great river.'
Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement
The Correct Meaning says: As for 'source of nourishment,' occupying the top as yang and treading upon four yin lines, yin cannot act as its own master and must revere and serve yang.
None of the yin lines fail to derive their nourishment through it; hence it is called 'source of nourishment.'
As for 'peril brings good fortune,' being master of all the yin, it must not be treated with disrespect; only sternness and vigilance bring good fortune, hence saying 'peril brings good fortune.'
As for 'it is advantageous to cross the great river,' being the master of nourishment, there is nothing it cannot undertake; hence 'it is advantageous to cross the great river' and bring celebration. Therefore the Image says: 'It brings great celebration.'