Hexagram 35 - Progress - CHIN

Amplify your inner light; your purpose is to stay on the path. Your progress should be akin to the ascension of the sun. The more you cultivate your inherent goodness and moral excellence, the greater your ascent in life will be.

Summary

The hexagram represents progress and advancement and the importance of adapting to new situations and changes. The key takeaways from the Judgment and image are that progress can be made when one remains flexible and receptive to new ideas and opportunities.

Interpretation

Hexagram 35, "Progress," symbolises advancement and growth in life. It is composed of two trigrams, one representing Heaven and the other representing Earth, which together form the image of a strong and stable foundation that can support progress and advancement. The I Ching advises that one should remain flexible and open to new ideas and opportunities to progress. It also emphasises the importance of adapting to changes and staying focused on old thinking.

Receiving Hexagram 35 affirms that we are making progress, even though it may elude our direct observation. Receiving it also reminds us of the basic principles on which progress is founded so that we can use the time of progress wisely. In particular, it is important to avoid sitting on our laurels and luxuriating in our achievements. Instead, it is a time to "brighten our bright virtue."

Progress is not the result of working for progress as a goal or toward comfortable and personally desirable objectives; instead, it results from working on being consistent and authentic to one's principles and serving that which is higher. We cultivate an attitude of inner independence by focusing only on what is essential and correct. We fail to do good when, on achieving some little progress, we forget about continuing humbly on our path and only indulge ourselves in the comfort of the moment.

When we receive individual lines of the hexagram, they serve as specific guidance to search for attitudes that block progress or threaten the progress already gained. Progress is blocked when we harbour viewpoints contrary to those of the Sage.

The image of the hexagram is that of the sun rising over the Earth. In our view, the further it moves away from darkness, the higher the sun rises. The same is true of us: how much we progress is determined by how far we distance ourselves from bad influences. We slip into goal-oriented habits whenever we allow our ego to engage in any measuring to see how far we have progressed (or have failed to progress). This, in turn, initiates doubt and effort by which we lose our centre of gravity and the inner independence that brings about progress.

It is essential, when success comes, not to fall into the traps of the ego: taking credit for gains, resting on laurels, indulging in desires, or plotting towards ambitions. The superior person instead uses times of progress to brighten their virtue, recognising that it was their commitment to ethical principles that brought success in the first place.

Overall, Hexagram 35 encourages us to remain open to new ideas and opportunities and maintain independence and selflessness. We can progress and achieve significant gains by brightening our virtue and focusing on serving higher ones. However, we must also be cautious not to fall into the ego's traps and remain humble and committed to our principles, even in times of progress.

Sage Advice

Recognise that true progress comes from being consistent and true to one's principles rather than working for advancement as a goal or towards comfortable and personally desirable objectives. This means cultivating an attitude of inner independence and focusing only on what is essential and correct rather than becoming distracted by the desire for rewards, power or influence. It is also necessary to avoid becoming overly goal-oriented and to trust in the wisdom of the universe to guide you on your path, even in the face of setbacks and obstacles.

In addition, the hexagram emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced and flexible approach to life. By being adaptable and open to change, you will be better able to take advantage of new opportunities and overcome challenges with grace and resilience. At the same time, staying true to your core values and principles is crucial, and avoiding compromising them for the sake of short-term gain or convenience. Stay focused on the long-term while also remaining mindful and present at the moment. By cultivating a sense of inner balance and harmony, you will be able to make steady progress towards your goals while also enjoying a sense of peace and fulfilment in your daily life.

Line 1

Speaks of the frustration of halted progress, even though we have been doing everything correctly. It reminds us to remain calm and composed rather than angry or upset. This line suggests that even though we may not see progress immediately, it is vital to continue to do what is right with a cheerful attitude. By doing so, we will eventually overcome the obstacles preventing us from achieving our goals. In life, progress can be slow, and setbacks can be discouraging. However, this line reminds us that success is not always measured by how quickly we reach our goals but rather by how steadfastly we continue to do what is right. Trusting the process and having faith that progress will eventually be made is essential. In the meantime, we should remain patient, calm, and focused on our principles. Additionally, this line suggests that anger and frustration will hinder progress rather than move us forward. By remaining composed, we can maintain clarity of thought and make more rational decisions, ultimately leading to greater success. In essence, Line 1 reminds us to stay positive, keep moving forward, and trust that progress will eventually be made.

Line 2

Suggests that progress may be hindered when others do not offer help. However, we should persevere in humility and correctness instead of becoming disheartened. It is important to remember that progress and happiness come from a union grounded in moral principles rather than from forcing someone to follow our way. It is better to endure loneliness or sorrow than to compromise our principles or try to change someone else's path. By accepting the need to go on alone and remaining true to our values, we will eventually find the right people to join us on our journey, and our progress will be fruitful.

Line 3

Reminds us not to dwell on our weaknesses and failures. It is easy to become discouraged when we feel that we have not lived up to our expectations, but staying on the path and doing our best is essential. When we do so, we will be supported by like-minded individuals who share our commitment to the good. This line emphasises the importance of perseverance and the power of unity in achieving progress. It is unnecessary to go it alone, as we are all part of a larger community of people seeking to make the world a better place. We can overcome our weaknesses and achieve great things by staying on the path and working together.

Line 4

Warns against the danger of the ego expanding during times of significant progress. It is essential to remain humble and avoid indulging in luxuries or using progress for self-gain. When we become self-righteous and abandon proper conduct during good times, misfortune will likely follow. The "dubious procedure" referred to suggests that we should not be over-energetic in our approach to defending truth or battling evil. Truth has its power and will ultimately prevail, so we must avoid the temptation to act as a "knight in shining armour" and trust in the power of truth itself. We should focus on staying true to our principles and not allow the ego to seek glory, comfort, or a reason to abandon the path. By remaining grounded and humble, we can avoid the pitfalls that come with progress and continue on the path towards true success.

Line 5

Reminds us that it is crucial to stay focused on the bigger picture and not get caught up in the small gains or losses we may encounter along the way. It advises us to detach ourselves from our immediate desires and goals and instead maintain a steadfast commitment to the greater good. Rather than taking an aggressive approach to achieving our objectives, this line suggests that we will have a more significant impact by remaining detached and objective. By focusing on what is truly important and not being distracted by small wins or losses, we can influence the situation more significantly. In many cases, progress is only sometimes immediately apparent, and it is essential to keep a long-term perspective. By accepting each moment as an opportunity to learn and grow, we can remain open to new possibilities and alert to the best way to move forward. In essence, the fifth line urges us to stay true to our principles, even when the outcome is uncertain, and to trust that progress will be made in its own time. Rather than obsessing over each small gain or loss, we should focus on the bigger picture and remain steadfast in our commitment to the greater good.

Line 6

Emphasises that being hostile, offensive, or aggressive towards others does not bring progress and success, and it should only be directed towards eliminating one's inferior tendencies. It is not wise to try and teach someone a lesson through open hostility or aggression as it will likely create more problems than it solves. Instead, we should disengage from feelings of blame and anger and focus on eliminating our negative tendencies. It's important to remember that our actions towards others have consequences, and treating them with respect and kindness will ultimately lead to progress and success in our relationships and endeavours.