Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Modesty
Hexagram 15 of the Yi Jing · 谦 Qiān
The figure
Earth above the Mountain: height holding itself low, the mountain beneath the soil. The image of modesty, of greatness that does not display itself.
What this figure illuminates
Modesty lights up the quiet strength of one who needn't appear. What lowers itself finds its place; what swells invites the fall. It is a balance, not an erasure.
For a decision, the figure invites you to weigh your relation to recognition: “am I seeking to be seen, or to be right — and are the two in tension here?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Modesty makes its way and succeeds. The one who stays humble carries their work through to a good end.
The Image
A mountain hidden low within the earth — greatness that does not show. Seeing this, the noble person takes from what is too much and gives to what is too little, restoring balance.
The Six Lines
- First line
Humility upon humility. With this, even the great stream is crossed. Good fortune.
- Second line
A modesty that quietly shows itself and is felt by others. Firm and correct: good fortune.
- Third line
Real merit worn with modesty. You carry your achievement through to the end — good fortune.
- Fourth line
In everything, deepen your modesty further. Nothing here fails to further.
- Fifth line
Without needing riches, you draw your neighbours with you. Even firm measures may now be used to good effect.
- Sixth line
A modesty deeply felt. If you must act with force, turn it only on your own disorder, never on others.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
Are you seeking to be seen, or to be right?
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