Line 1 Yang
A wounded bird lowers its wings; a traveler goes hungry and faces criticism. Leaving danger may carry an immediate cost.
← The 64 hexagrams
HEXAGRAM 36 · Míng Yí
Darkening of the Light
When light is obscured, preserve inner clarity and act discreetly.
☷ Above: Kun · Earth☲ Below: Li · Fire
Meaning
Fire beneath the earth evokes injured brightness. Endurance may require discretion: an unsafe setting need not receive a display of everything you understand.
FOR REFLECTION
Which value can I protect without making an open confrontation necessary?
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 left thigh is injured; a strong horse provides rescue. Seek help capable of carrying you out of danger.
Line 3 Yang
A southern hunt reaches the chief source of trouble. Address the root, without demanding an instant restoration of order.
Line 4 Yin
Entering the left belly reveals the heart of darkness, followed by departure. Understanding motives can clarify when to leave.
Line 5 Yin
Ji Zi conceals his brightness while remaining steadfast. Under oppression, discretion need not mean surrendering principle.
Line 6 Yin
From heaven's height comes a fall to earth: darkened power loses its measure. High position does not ensure wisdom.
References
Classical Zhouyi · 明夷James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East XVI, hexagram 36
Editorial policy & bibliography →For reference and reflection. This commentary makes no certain claim about the future.