Hexagram 36
Damaged light, darkness, hiding one's strength and biding one's time
The Ming Yi hexagram is the most gloomy hexagram in the Book of Changes, but it is also the most powerful. It tells us that even in the deepest despair, as long as the light in our hearts does not go out and we use extremely high wisdom to deal with it, we will surely be able to wait until the day when the darkness dissipates and we see the light of day again.
Trigram Structure
䷣, Kun above, Li below
Palace：離
Key Themes
Damaged light, darkness, hiding one's strength and biding one's time
The Ming Yi hexagram is the most gloomy hexagram in the Book of Changes, but it is also the most powerful. It tells us that even in the deepest despair, as long as the light in our hearts does not go out and we use extremely high wisdom to deal with it, we will surely be able to wait until the day when the darkness dissipates and we see the light of day again.
Ming Yi: Li is difficult and honest.
Sunset, solar eclipse, volcano buried underground.
Extinguished lights, dungeon, black cloth, mask.
The Ming Yi hexagram is the most gloomy hexagram in the Book of Changes, but it is also the most powerful. It tells us that even in the deepest despair, as long as the light in our hearts does not go out and we use extremely high wisdom to deal with it, we will surely be able to wait until the day when the darkness dissipates and we see the light of day again.
Ming Yi is flying, and his wings are hanging down. A gentleman goes about his business without eating for three days. Where there is a journey, the master has something to say.
Guidance
Light is damaged; flying with drooping wings; a gentleman should withdraw from the world; not eating for three days.
Modern Insight
This is the beginning of the crisis. You must react immediately and retreat quickly. Be prepared to suffer hardship; even if you find a temporary refuge, you may not be welcome.
Mingyi, Yi is in the left thigh, and it is used to make the horse strong, which is auspicious.
Guidance
Injured in the thigh; using a strong horse can escape danger; auspicious.
Modern Insight
Although you are injured, it is not fatal. In danger, you receive powerful help (good horse) and can quickly escape. This reminds us that in adversity, finding the right resources or partners that can quickly take you away is crucial.
The Ming Yi hunted in the south and got the big head, so they couldn't be quick.
Guidance
Hunting in the south, capturing the leader; do not rush for success.
Modern Insight
You have seized an opportunity, solved the root of the problem, and achieved a key victory. But at this time, do not become complacent and rush to clear everything. Change takes time; steady progress is needed to consolidate the fruits of victory.
It enters the left abdomen and obtains the heart of Ming Yi, which is located in the outer court.
Guidance
Entering the tiger's den, able to see the core secrets.
Modern Insight
You are in the most dangerous situation, having infiltrated the enemy's interior. Precisely because of this, you understand the truth of the whole situation best. With this information advantage, you can find the only way out at the most critical moment and escape safely.
Jizi's Ming Yi is beneficial to Zhen.
Guidance
Like Jizi, feigning madness; maintaining the right path brings fortune.
Modern Insight
This is the highest wisdom of Ming Yi—feigning madness and hiding one's strength. Facing an irresistible tyranny, Jizi chose to feign madness and become a slave, deeply hiding his supreme wisdom, ultimately preserving himself and the cultural lifeline of the Shang dynasty. This teaches us that in the face of absolute darkness, preserving a useful body is more valuable than futile sacrifice.
Not clear. First ascend to the sky, then enter the earth.
Guidance
Light completely extinguished; first ascending to heaven, then falling into the abyss.
Modern Insight
This is the source of darkness—that evildoer. He seems invincible, but his glory is only temporary. Evil will ultimately destroy itself; this is the unchanging law of heaven. It gives the greatest hope to all those in darkness: dawn will eventually come.
