Line 1 Yang
Danger lies ahead; stopping now preserves the strength you have.
← The 64 hexagrams
HEXAGRAM 26 · Dà Xù
Great Restraint
Cultivate great strength through learning, discipline, and worthy service.
☶ Above: Gen · Mountain☰ Below: Qian · Heaven
Meaning
Heaven within the mountain suggests strength held and trained. Learn from earlier words and deeds, prevent harm at its source, and prepare ability for wider service.
FOR REFLECTION
Do you need deeper knowledge, self-restraint, or a useful place to apply your strength?
The six lines
Read from line 1 at the bottom to line 6 at the top. These are paraphrases, not verbatim translations.
Line 2 Yang
The carriage's axle fastening is removed; accept a deliberate pause in movement.
Line 3 Yang
Good horses run together; practice driving and defense daily, remaining steady through difficulty.
Line 4 Yin
Fit the young ox with a horn guard; prevent danger before its strength grows.
Line 5 Yin
The gelded boar still has tusks: reduce the source of aggression, not only its outward weapon.
Line 6 Yang
Heaven's broad road opens: cultivated and restrained strength finds room for use.
References
Classical Zhouyi · 大畜James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East XVI, hexagram 26
Editorial policy & bibliography →For reference and reflection. This commentary makes no certain claim about the future.