40 解 Deliverance
Judgement
Tensions loosen: release arrives, like the sky opening after a storm. It helps to head southwest. If nothing is left to do, the good course is to return to your usual life. And if something is pending, it helps to do it soon. Do not let what is resolved fester. Ask yourself what is left to do now that the hardest part has passed, and do it without delay.
Image
Thunder and rain: the storm breaks and clears the air. The wise person forgives mistakes and treats faults gently. After tension, harshness does not help. The serious part is over: now be generous about what was done badly, yours or another's. Ask yourself which fault, your own or another's, you could forgive today without asking for more accounts.
Lines
Line 1
You are unlikely to go wrong. When a difficulty eases, the sensible thing is to make no unnecessary moves. Breathe, observe and let things settle. You do not have to prove anything. Ask yourself whether your relief is pushing you into something hasty, and what happens if you simply rest a little.
Line 2
On a hunt you catch three foxes and get golden arrows. With firmness and integrity, it tends to go well. This is the image of removing the cunning and harmful by clean means, without revenge. Ask yourself what is eating at you without your noticing, and how to shake it off honestly.
Line 3
A porter, loaded down, rides in a cart: he looks like what he is not and draws thieves. Even if he stays firm, there is cause for regret. This is someone who shows themselves above their station and stirs envy. Ask yourself whether anything in how you present yourself does not match who you are.
Line 4
Take off your toes: release what ties you to the ground. Then friends come close, and trust runs both ways between you. It is direct advice: drop what gets in your way. Ask yourself what habit or attachment holds you, and who would come closer if you shook it off.
Line 5
The one in command frees themselves from the harm around them, and it looks promising: even the small trust them. They clear their surroundings firmly and so earn trust. Ask yourself what harmful influence you could remove from your life today and who would trust you more if you did.
Line 6
A prince shoots a hawk perched on a high wall and brings it down. Everything works to your advantage. This is the image of hitting the mark with one accurate gesture. You do not need to strike a thousand times. Ask yourself whether you already know the moment and the exact point at which to aim.
Reflection
- What is still pending now that the hardest part has passed?
- Which fault, yours or another's, could you forgive today?
- What attachment holds you, and who would come closer if you let it go?