Hexagram 34 - The Power of the Great - TA CHUANG

One's true power and greatness come from being in harmony with what is right and having specific knowledge of the power of good.

Summary

Represents the power of the great, the strong and the mighty. One should use their strength and power in a righteous and just way to bring about positive change. The key takeaways from the Judgment and image are to use one's power with humility and in service to others and to avoid arrogance and tyranny.

Interpretation

Presents a complex understanding of power and its proper use. At its core, the hexagram speaks to the idea that true power comes not from force but from a deep understanding of the correct way to move forward. Power naturally arises when one is in harmony with what is right and the "gates to success" open.

However, the hexagram also warns against the dangers of stolen, assumed, or intercepted power in which the ego seizes command by taking advantage of favourable situations. The ego can be compared to a wild card football player obsessed with ambition and attaining glory but is on nobody's side. It waits on the sideline for an opportunity to jump out and intercept the ball or seize the power of insight. But like a player who often runs the wrong way, the ego interferes with the natural direction of power and can lead to entanglement, hostility, and even misfortune.

The hexagram's two trigrams - clarity (Ch'ien), which rises abruptly as strength (Chên) - offer further insights into the nature of power. A clear perception of a situation gives one the strength to deal with it, and understanding opens the door to movement. However, Ch'ien also means perseverance, reminding us that we must not become so absorbed in our forward thrust that we lose our inner composure. The ego interjects itself only if we become so absorbed in what we do that we lose touch with our true self, which is always objective, reticent, and reserved.

According to the fourth line of the hexagram, the correct use of power involves "quietly and perseveringly working at the removal of resistances." This type of power does not show externally but can move heavy loads. It requires a certain reticence and caution, as well as an awareness of the dangers of overreach and the need to maintain inner balance.

The hexagram also speaks to the importance of lifting perceptions to consciousness to understand a situation's inner truthfully. Though often suppressed or denied, this inner sense of truth can emerge with great power under the right conditions. It can correct all wrongs and lead to enduring influence, but only if we are willing to trust in the power of good and wait for the appropriate time for speech or action.

Ultimately, the I Ching hexagram 34 teaches us that true greatness comes only to those in whom strength and ethical principles are firmly united. The way of the Sage unites power with modesty, justice, gentleness, and equanimity. By purifying our thoughts and actions, aligning with what is true and good, and persevering steadfastly in what is correct, we can inherit the power of the great.

Sage Advice

Use your energy and power in a positive and directed way to strive towards your goals with determination and to persevere even in the face of obstacles. It can also be interpreted as a reminder to be mindful of the use of power and to use it responsibly and ethically. The I Ching advises that to achieve great things; one must first build a strong foundation and avoid taking on more than one can handle. It is also essential to be aware of the potential for power to corrupt and to use it for the greater good.

Line 1

Suggests a situation where we are using force or persuasion to try and get our way. It also indicates a tendency to maintain an egotistical supervisory attitude, which can lead to misfortune. To correct others, we must disengage and wait for them to correct themselves. The first line also warns against advancing presumptuously, as this can lead to humiliation and misfortune. It is essential to be responsible and consider the risks before taking action. To presume fate or take unnecessary risks is a recipe for disaster. It is a reminder to check our egotistical tendencies and to be patient and responsible in our use of power. We must avoid assuming that we are invincible or that fate will always work in our favour. Instead, we should detach and disengage from situations where our ego is taking over and restore our equanimity before taking action. Only by acting with humility and restraint can we truly harness the power of the great.

Line 2

Advises us to remain perseverant in the face of resistance, as doing so will bring good fortune. It warns, however, that we must be careful not to become too self-confident and lose touch with the modesty and acceptance that helped us progress in the first place. It is essential to avoid abusing our newfound power and using it to criticise or control others. Instead, we should maintain a gentle and modest attitude, which will help us find our way to continued success and good fortune. This line reminds us that true power comes from humility and perseverance and that we must remain mindful as we move forward.

Line 3

Warns against using power in an aggressive or adversarial way. It cautions that such an approach is the mark of an inferior person and that it is ultimately dangerous to continue on this path. The imagery of a goat butting its horns against a hedge and becoming entangled suggests that we, too, can become entangled in our misguided attempts to exert power over others. The superior person, in contrast, avoids using their strength rashly and only moves forward when the way is open. They understand that true power comes from aligning oneself with the natural flow of events rather than trying to impose their will on the world. This line reminds us that it is crucial to approach situations with humility and to seek harmony with others rather than trying to dominate or control them. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of power struggles and find a more peaceful and fruitful path forward.

Line 4

Speaks of the power of perseverance and remaining steadfast in adversity. One can achieve success by quietly and steadily working to remove obstacles. This requires a firm inner conviction and the willingness to acknowledge and correct mistakes without allowing doubt to erode one's confidence. The fourth line suggests that true power comes not from external forces or aggressive action but from a calm and persistent inner strength that allows one to overcome obstacles and achieve one's goals. It also reminds us to trust in the correctness of our thoughts and actions and to let them speak for themselves rather than relying on force or persuasion to achieve our objectives.

Line 5

Highlights the importance of not letting our negative emotions and thoughts control our actions towards others. By releasing our distrust and defensiveness, we can create a more harmonious and positive environment for ourselves and those around us. The line also reminds us that forgiveness and letting go of grudges can bring about a sense of peace and freedom, allowing us to move forward without regrets.

Line 6

Teaches us that the excessive use of power can lead to entanglements and difficulties that are difficult to overcome. It is essential to recognise when we use power for the wrong reasons, such as to gain an unfair advantage or satisfy our ego. By withdrawing from this obstinate use of power, we can correct our attitude and avoid creating more obstacles and resistance. To move forward, we must be prepared to persevere through the difficulties and eclipse in our relationships. We must keep a perseveringly detached attitude and move on from the situation once we have corrected our errors.