Line 4
Six at the fourth position occupies a correct yin place directly supporting the central ruler, transforming past regret into fruitful accomplishment. It reflects how an attentive intermediary achieves substantial results through disciplined service and modest coordination.
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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com). Page: Hexagram 57 巽 — 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/57/4
The classical tradition interprets catching three kinds of game in the hunt as achieving a comprehensive, multi-tiered harvest through faithful execution, which the Xiaoxiang commentary praises as demonstrating genuine merit.
Situated just below the central sovereign line, this yielding position mediates authority and ground-level action with meticulous care. Dedicated coordination and modest persistence dissolve past missteps and secure substantial results.
In professional contexts, this line highlights the strength of an effective operational lead or mid-level coordinator who enjoys executive trust while mobilizing frontline resources.
Project execution runs smoothly because responsibilities are balanced and communication across organizational layers is maintained without friction. Diligent teamwork and thorough follow-through ensure that your efforts earn widespread institutional recognition.
The relational dynamic thrives on practical mutual support and cooperative problem-solving, creating a stable domestic atmosphere. Lingering doubts or past frictions naturally dissolve as both partners commit to shared household routines and pragmatic goals.
Quietly honoring everyday commitments builds deep trust and strengthens your partnership over time.
Material prospects reflect multi-layered returns from steady core efforts and complementary endeavors rather than speculative gambles.
Traditional commentary associates this line with balanced harvests, suggesting that conscientious budgeting and diversified practical initiatives bear fruit. Keeping your financial strategy grounded and transparent preserves ongoing stability and steady growth.
4. The fourth line, divided, shows all occasion for repentance (in its subject) passed away. He takes game for its threefold use in his hunting.
‘He takes game in his hunting, enough for the threefold use of it:’—he achieves merit.
Zhouyi BenyiLine statement
Yin and yielding without correspondence, both supporting and riding upon firmness, there ought to be regret. Yet being yin in a yin position and dwelling below the upper trigram, regret vanishes, and it also serves as an auspicious divination for hunting.
The three grades are: one for dried sacrifice offerings, one for guests, and one to fill the larder.
Yichuan YizhuanLine statement
Being yin and yielding without assistance, while both supporting and riding upon firmness, there ought to be regret.
Yet the fourth, being yin in a yin position, attains the correctness of Xun; residing below the upper trigram, it dwells above yet is able to humble itself downward.
Residing below the upper, it is gentle toward the one above; overlooking the lower with gentleness, it is gentle toward those below. Being so excellent in dwelling, regret vanishes. The reason regret vanishes is like the three grades of the hunt.
The three grades of the hunt reach both above and below. In dividing the catch of the hunt into three grades: one is for dried sacrifice offerings, one is to serve guests and fill the larder, and one is distributed to the attendants and drivers.
The fourth is able to be gentle toward the yang lines above and below, like the three grades of the hunt reaching both above and below. The position of the fourth originally had regret; because he handles it with utmost excellence, regret vanishes and merit is achieved.
In all affairs under heaven, if one handles them well, what was regretful may sometimes be turned into merit.
Yichuan YizhuanSmall Image
Being gentle toward both above and below is like the three grades of the hunt extending to both upper and lower, accomplishing the merit of Xun.
Zhouyi ZhuLine statement
Riding upon firmness brings regret; yet attaining the position and supporting the fifth, his humility finds its proper recipient.
Although riding upon firmness with yielding, he relies upon the honored one and treads in correctness; executing orders in this manner, he will surely capture the violent and distance the unbenevolent.
In hunting, nothing surpasses the three grades for gaining benefit; hence it says, 'Regret vanishes: in the field, three grades of game are taken.' The first is called dried sacrifice offerings, the second is called for guests, and the third is to fill the ruler's larder.
Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement
The Correct Meaning states: 'Regret vanishes: in the field, three grades of game are taken': Six in the Fourth Place has the regret of riding upon firmness; yet attaining the position and supporting the honored one, his service finds its proper recipient.
Although riding upon firmness with yielding, he relies on the honored one and walks in correctness; executing orders in this way, he will surely achieve merit.
Taking a metaphor from hunting: capturing game and yielding benefit, nothing surpasses the three grades; this is why regret vanishes. Hence it says, 'Regret vanishes: in the field, three grades of game are taken.'
The three grades are: the first is dried sacrifice offerings, the second is for guests, and the third is to fill the ruler's kitchen and larder.
Zhouyi ZhengyiSmall Image
The Correct Meaning states: 'There is merit': having a catch in the hunt is used to symbolize having merit in executing orders.