Line 1 Yang
Harmonious joy is favorable. A simple, open manner can establish a foundation for friendship.
← The 64 hexagrams
HEXAGRAM 58 · Duì
Joyful Exchange
Lasting joy grows from sincerity, friendship, and exchange with sound limits.
☱ Above: Dui · Lake☱ Below: Dui · Lake
Meaning
Joined lakes suggest friends learning and sharing. Joy joined with integrity connects people; pleasant words and attraction alone do not warrant trust.
FOR REFLECTION
Does this source of enjoyment also preserve self-respect and honesty?
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
Sincere joy dispels regret. Stay truthful so that pleasantness does not become pretense.
Line 3 Yin
Coming in pursuit of pleasure can bring harm. Consider whether approval is being bought at the cost of principle.
Line 4 Yang
Deliberating over joy leaves unease; separating from what harms brings relief. Distinguish carefully before consenting.
Line 5 Yang
Trust in what erodes you is dangerous. A secure position does not make a tempting influence trustworthy.
Line 6 Yin
Joy draws one along. Notice the attraction and ask whether your direction remains freely chosen.
References
Classical Zhouyi · 兌James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East XVI, hexagram 58
Editorial policy & bibliography →For reference and reflection. This commentary makes no certain claim about the future.