43 夬 Breakthrough
Judgement
Something harmful has to be cut away, but doing it well takes method. It helps to lay the matter out openly, with sincerity and with awareness of the danger of cutting; warn your own people and do not turn to force at once. That way there is an advantage in what you pursue. Do not decide in the dark or alone. Saying plainly what is happening, without hiding the risk, is half of solving it.
Image
The lake rises above heaven: water gathers on high and is about to fall. The wise person distributes what they have to those below and cannot bear to let their gifts pile up ungiven. What sits idle without being shared gets in the way. Ask yourself what you have accumulated and not yet shared, and who already needs what you are keeping.
Lines
Line 1
You advance with the strength of your toes, proud of your drive. You go forward but do not succeed, and there is cause for reproach. You act before you have your full strength. Ask yourself whether your hurry comes from your strength or from your pride, and what you lack to take this step.
Line 2
You are afraid and cry out for help. At night hostile measures may be taken against you, but you need not worry. When you are alert and ask for support, you are better protected than someone who feels safe. Do not be ashamed of your fear. Ask yourself whom you could warn about what you fear.
Line 3
You advance with a hard, determined look: that tends to end badly. Whoever is set on cutting away harm walks alone, in the rain, and their own people reject them as if stained. In the end, you may escape reproach. A hard decision may cost you others' understanding. Ask yourself whether it is worth the price of going alone.
Line 4
Your buttocks are skinned and you walk slowly and with difficulty. If you let yourself be led like a sheep behind its flock, the reason for regret would fade. But you hear these words and do not believe them. This is someone who cannot give way even when it would help. Ask yourself what sensible advice you reject.
Line 5
There are weeds, like purslane, and they must be pulled up with full resolve. If you act firmly and from the center, without extremes, you are unlikely to go wrong or be reproached. Cutting away what is harmful takes determination, but not fury. Ask yourself what weed you have watched grow, and whether you can pull it up calmly.
Line 6
You have nobody to call. There is a risk of a bad ending. This is someone who has burned every bridge and is alone when they need others most. The warning is clear: do not isolate yourself. Even if you are right, you need others with you. Ask yourself what bond you are neglecting now.
Reflection
- Which hard decision are you making alone that it would help to talk over with someone?
- What have you accumulated without sharing, and who needs it now?
- What weed have you watched grow for a long time without pulling it up?