Line 1 Yin
A stirring in the big toe: influence is only beginning to reach outward.
← The 64 hexagrams
HEXAGRAM 31 · Xián
Mutual Influence
Mutual influence grows through stillness, openness, and willingness.
☱ Above: Dui · Lake☶ Below: Gen · Mountain
Meaning
A lake on the mountain suggests two sides answering each other. The lines move through parts of the body, from first stirrings to speech; not every impulse needs immediate action.
FOR REFLECTION
Are you responding to the other person or only reacting to your own impulse?
The six lines
Read from line 1 at the bottom to line 6 at the top. These are paraphrases, not verbatim translations.
Line 2 Yin
The calf stirs toward movement; remaining still can preserve a better course.
Line 3 Yang
The thigh moves in pursuit of others; following without judgment invites regret.
Line 4 Yang
Steadiness removes regret; restless thoughts draw only those already following your concerns.
Line 5 Yang
Influence reaches the flesh of the back; a limited response need not be pushed further.
Line 6 Yin
Influence stays in jaws, cheeks, and tongue; abundant speech need not mean deeper connection.
References
Classical Zhouyi · 咸James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East XVI, hexagram 31
Editorial policy & bibliography →For reference and reflection. This commentary makes no certain claim about the future.