35 晉 Progress
Judgement
The sun rises over the earth and everything can be seen. In this image, a prince who has brought peace to his people receives horses as a gift from the king and is received three times in one day. It is the progress that comes from recognition: what you have done well shows. Do not take it for granted. Receive with humility what you are given, and remember that this recognition is a responsibility.
Image
The bright sun rises over the earth. The wise person works to make their luminous virtue brighter. It is not about decorating yourself, but improving what is already there: polishing the clarity with which you see and act. Each day is a chance to clarify a little more. Ask yourself which quality of yours deserves more care, and what you could do today to make it show more clearly.
Lines
Line 1
You want to advance and something holds you back. If you stay firm and upright, it looks promising. If people do not trust you, keep a broad, generous attitude: that way you are unlikely to go wrong. Do not get angry at someone who does not trust you yet. Ask yourself how you react when the way is closed.
Line 2
You seem to advance, but you are sad. If you stay firm and upright, that is a good sign: you receive a great blessing from your grandmother. Some advances bring no joy and are still the right ones. Notice who supports you without being asked, and ask yourself whether you have thanked them.
Line 3
Everyone around you trusts you, and every reason for regret fades. You have given people reasons to believe you. Trust is not asked for, it is earned. Looking after it is now your task. Ask yourself how you came to deserve that trust, and what could break it, so you keep it in mind.
Line 4
You seem to advance, but like a marmot: in hiding, afraid, rummaging in the dark. Even if you are firm and upright, your position is dangerous. This is advancing without light, with cunning and without transparency. Ask yourself whether anything in your advance is something you would show nobody, and whether it is weakening you inside.
Line 5
Reasons for regret fade. Do not worry about winning or losing. Moving ahead is a good sign and there is an advantage in everything. It is a release: to stop calculating success and simply act. Ask yourself how much energy you spend measuring what you win or lose.
Line 6
You advance with your horns, but only to punish the rebels in your own city. The situation is dangerous, but it tends to go well; even so, however firm and upright you are, there is reason for regret. It is hardness turned against what is your own. Ask yourself whether your firmness hurts you where it does not need to.
Reflection
- How do you react when the way is closed, and how could you go on generously?
- Who looks after you without your seeing it, and have you thanked them?
- How much energy do you spend calculating what you win or lose?