Hexagram 31 - Influence - HSIEN

A forthcoming 'shift' is on the horizon, an unforeseen circumstance that will test our inner strength. This shift will bring good fortune to those who remain steadfast in their hearts and true to their principles.

Summary

Influence is about gaining the trust and respect of others through consistent and genuine behaviour. This hexagram is about persuasion and influences through actions rather than words.

Interpretation

The best approach to influencing others is maintaining inner strength and steadfastness. This hexagram represents the steady, quiet influence exerted by a strong, independent personality, which causes others to respond cheerfully and joyously. The hexagram also highlights the importance of wooing and courtship between the sexes, emphasising that the correct kind of attraction does not involve seduction. The Sage is used as an example, whose steady, quiet influence encourages people to approach him.

Influence starts with the willingness to receive from others. The receptivity required is a willing suspension of disbelief and an open mind. Such readiness has a creative effect and deprives negative situations of tension. A correct inner attitude and willingness to wait through changes draws people closer and helps us be a conduit for the Cosmos to speak and act.

Receiving this hexagram often indicates that "an influence" is about to take place, in which we will be challenged to hold onto the correct way of influencing others. In such circumstances, we must monitor our inner feelings and maintain our independence. Maintaining an innocent and independent attitude draws back those who are estranged and keeps at a distance those who press themselves on us for personal and selfish reasons. It is wise to cling steadily to humility, independence, gentleness, and openness. One must strive to maintain integrity and virtue and act with sincerity and truthfulness to influence and inspire others positively. The key takeaway is that one's actions and character truly influence and inspire others, not just one's words or position. The state of our mind and the attitude of our spirit affect the whole universe; therefore, it is best to be conscientiously correct even when out of sight and hearing of others.

Sage Advice

Focus on being a model of positive behaviour and allowing others to come to their conclusions through your example. By using gentle persuasion and genuine kindness, you can create a community of people who support and uplift each other, leading to success for all. This hexagram reminds us that true power comes from our ability to attract and inspire others rather than from force or coercion. So, the best way to influence others is through genuine care, concern, and compassion for them and by acting with sincerity and integrity in our interactions.

Line 1

Suggests that a small beginning can soon become a foothold for a deteriorating influence to take hold. The toe, representing this small beginning, is where we should check our inner attitude for any signs of doubt, discontent, or rising self-confidence. These negative emotions can quickly lead to a loss of inner equilibrium, which can, in turn, have a negative influence on those around us. It is essential to correct our attitude and stay true to our inner principles to maintain our positive impact on others. It warns us to be mindful of our inner attitudes and emotions. Recognising and correcting any negative feelings can prevent them from developing into something more detrimental to our well-being and relationships with others. By maintaining a positive attitude and inner balance, we can continue to have a good influence on those around us, allowing success to arrive unhindered.

Line 2

Suggests that influence can be felt in the calves of the leg, indicating the importance of not being swayed by superficial or apparent changes in people or situations. It is essential to exercise patience and wait until sincerity and innocence are firmly established before fully committing ourselves or letting go of our reserve. Rushing into things or being easily swayed by appearances can lead to negative emotions taking control of our attitude, such as desire, anger, envy, or hardness. The message is to trust the process of change and not seek ways to influence it, as significant changes in people take time and cannot be reversed in a wholesale manner. Sage's work is often done away from our view, and true progress takes time. Therefore, we must exercise patience and remain steadfast in our principles. It reminds us not to be swayed by surface-level appearances and not to rush into things. Instead, it is crucial to exercise patience and wait until sincerity and innocence are firmly established before fully committing ourselves or letting go of our reserve. Rushing into things or being easily swayed by appearances can lead to negative emotions taking control of our attitude, such as desire, anger, envy, or hardness. The message is to trust the process of change and not seek ways to influence it, as significant changes in people take time and cannot be reversed in a wholesale manner.

Line 3

Reminds us to avoid rushing into things or being swept away by external pressures. Instead, we should allow our inner wisdom and quiet heart to guide our actions. Running forward out of desire or doubt can cause us to lose our inner freedom and humility and make us vulnerable to the influence of others who may not have our best interests at heart. We can retain our inner dignity and influence others positively and authentically by remaining calm and centred.

Line 4

Speaks to the importance of maintaining inner calm and purity to influence others positively. When we become agitated and attempt to project our thoughts and images onto others consciously, we act out of a sense of distrust in the natural order of things and a lack of faith in the ability of others to find their way. Instead, we should let go of our ambitions, anxieties, and agendas and focus on maintaining inner stillness and purity. Only then can we hold onto what is good and retreat from what is evil, and in doing so, we can positively impact those around us.

Line 5

Advises us to remain adaptable and avoid being too rigid or forceful in our approach. We must be open to receiving suggestions and guidance from the Sage without being overly anxious or fearful of making mistakes. It's essential to maintain our receptivity and avoid reacting stiffly to events. By listening carefully to the guidance of the Sage, we can navigate complex situations and prevent remorse.

Line 6

Advises against influencing others solely through words and logic, as people can only understand what they are ready to see. Proper growth and understanding come from individual experiences, and each person must proceed at their own pace. While we may offer guidance, the Sage is the true Master, and the I Ching is a guiding light throughout the journey. Additionally, this line warns against saying something in the heat of the moment that we do not indeed mean, as it will have no real effect. Instead, we should embody our knowledge through our actions and conduct and trust in the wisdom of the Sage to guide us and others on the path towards growth and understanding.