Line 1 Yang
Strength gathers in the toes, eager to charge. Advancing on enthusiasm alone invites trouble.
← The 64 hexagrams
HEXAGRAM 34 · Dà Zhuàng
Great Strength
Strength alone is insufficient; its value depends on disciplined use.
☳ Above: Zhen · Thunder☰ Below: Qian · Heaven
Meaning
Thunder above heaven portrays growing power. Upright conduct and limits matter: impulsive force can become trapped like a ram in a fence.
FOR REFLECTION
Am I using my ability to solve a problem or merely to demonstrate power?
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
Remain steady in what is right and measured. Disciplined strength provides a reliable foundation.
Line 3 Yang
A ram strikes a fence and entangles its horns. Brute force and disregard for limits can both become traps.
Line 4 Yang
The fence opens and the horns stay free; a great cart has a strong axle. Advance on sound support.
Line 5 Yin
The ram is lost in easy surroundings without regret. Letting go of aggression need not cost anything essential.
Line 6 Yin
The ram is caught, unable to advance or retreat. Recognize the difficulty and work patiently to free it.
References
Classical Zhouyi · 大壯James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East XVI, hexagram 34
Editorial policy & bibliography →For reference and reflection. This commentary makes no certain claim about the future.