Hexagram 62 - Preponderance of the Small - HSIAO KUO

When faced with uncertainty and a lack of clarity, taking action based on our desires and expectations may be tempting rather than trusting in the natural unfolding of events. However, the best move in such situations may be to pause, retreat, and wait for things to become more apparent.

Summary

The hexagram "Small Exceeding" represents a time of little but steady progress and growth. The image of the hexagram is of a small flame that is gradually building and growing stronger. The key takeaways from the Judgment and image are that small steps lead to significant changes over time and that consistency and perseverance will lead to success.

Interpretation

Hexagram 62 urges us to resist our rigid attitudes and the strong elements that preponderate in our lives, such as fear, envy, anger, desire, vindictiveness, or stubbornness, and instead wait patiently for the guidance of the Creative. While our ego may pressure us to take action, the I Ching advises that non-action is required now.

In trying times, it is crucial to maintain our integrity and commitment to ethical principles and not be seduced into struggling or seeking aggressive solutions. Instead, the superior person retreats into her centre, cultivates humility, patience, and conscientiousness, and waits for the storm to pass. The I Ching reminds us that success comes to those who maintain a steady and consistent course of action, even in the face of setbacks, and recognise their limitations.

To disperse our distrust of the Unknown, we must keep ourselves open and unstructured and remain calm in the 'ambiguous spot.' We should resist fear and the pressure to act and instead allow ourselves to be led through the small door of the improbable that opens only at the precise moment of need. While there is always a hidden solution to the problem at hand, comprehensive answers and aggressive action are not the answer.

The I Ching advises that during this time, we should persevere, maintain a humble attitude, and be patient as we take small steps towards change. We should be cautious of our rigid attitudes and resist the pressure to act, and instead wait for the guidance of the Creative to lead us to success.

Sage Advice

In the face of adversity, the I Ching advises us to remain true to our inner principles and values. It reminds us that success is achieved through perseverance and inner strength, and it is important to approach new situations with humility and openness to learning. The best spiritual advice from this hexagram is to trust in our inner wisdom and intuition and use these tools to navigate through changes and challenges. It is also essential to be flexible and adaptable and to let go of old patterns and habits that no longer serve us. By cultivating inner balance and staying grounded in our values and principles; we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. Additionally, the hexagram advises us to be aware of our limitations and to seek help and guidance from others when needed. Stay true to yourself and approach difficult times with courage, determination, and openness to growth and transformation.

Line 1

Emphasises the importance of patience and non-action. The line warns against taking action before the time is right, which can lead to misfortune and failure. In the metaphor of the bird, being fledged means being free of pressure to act, while flying before being fledged leads to misfortune. This can be applied to many aspects of life, including decision-making, relationships, and career choices. It is essential to take the time to assess the situation, gather information, and wait for the right moment to take action. Rushing into things can lead to mistakes, missed opportunities, and even harm. The line also emphasises the importance of staying open and receptive to the guidance of the Creative. It is essential to trust the flow of events and respond spontaneously to each situation as it arises without attaching too much meaning or importance to it. This requires some emotional discomfort, as we must remain open and receptive even in challenging situations. However, resistance only blocks aid when we need it most. By holding to non-action and allowing the Creative to do its work, we can remain open and receptive to the guidance and support we need to navigate life's challenges.

Line 2

Advises us to practice patience and humility when faced with a situation that is not yet ready to be resolved. The message is that it's not yet time to move forward or make decisions, and we must wait for the right moment to present itself. In the meantime, we should remain open and unstructured, avoiding anxious or disappointed feelings about the situation. It's important to do our best without attachment to the outcome and accept whatever result comes our way. This line reminds us that the journey is as important as the destination, and we should not rush or force things before their time. By being patient and accepting, we allow the way to show itself and the situation to unfold in its own time.

Line 3

In times of uncertainty, exercising caution and maintaining self-awareness is important. The line warns against the dangers of acting too quickly or allowing the ego to take over. When faced with difficult situations or the presence of evil, it may be tempting to try and take action immediately, to become the "white knight" and fight against it. However, the I Ching advises against this approach, which can lead to unintended consequences and further harm. We should remain detached and observe the situation with clear eyes. It is essential to recognise the truth of the problem and ask for guidance from a higher power rather than allowing the ego to take over and make hasty decisions. Doing so can maintain balance and avoid unnecessary conflict or misfortune. Be patient and stay true to yourself, even under challenging circumstances. By maintaining a sense of humility and awareness, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and avoid the pitfalls of the ego.

Line 4

Advises against resisting the temptation to act harshly when faced with difficult situations. It warns against being hardened by our trials and encourages us to yield modestly to Fate. It likens our situation to an overloaded mule on the edge of a canyon, ready to rebel against the master's guidance but knowing that doing so would endanger its life. The line advises us to endure the difficulties rather than simply acting to get rid of our load. In this context, "Do not act" means "do not give up." The line reminds us that by yielding the matter to the Sage and trusting in the guidance of the Higher Power, we can meet with good fortune. We should not let our egotistical desires or impatience drive us to act before the time is right. Instead, we must persevere and have faith that the situation will resolve itself in due time.

Line 5

To achieve success, we must recognise that we cannot do it alone. We need the support and guidance of others who share our commitment to higher truth. It is crucial to seek out like-minded individuals who can offer counsel and support on the path to self-improvement. At times, we may feel lost or unsure of our direction, but by remaining open and receptive to the help of others, we can find the guidance we need to stay on course. The I Ching advises us to remain humble and open-minded and to seek out the support of those who can help us to achieve our goals. Working with others who share our vision can accomplish great things and overcome the most difficult challenges. The fifth line reminds us that we are not alone on our path and that there is strength in numbers. By seeking out the support of others, we can stay true to our principles and achieve success in all that we do.

Line 6

Warns against stubbornness and pride. If we refuse to heed the guidance of the Sage and turn away from our path out of fear or doubt, we risk energising hostile forces that can lead to misfortune. This line emphasises the importance of humility and devotion to ethical principles. If we press on forcefully and immodestly, we invite disaster. We can avoid great misfortune by returning to the path of caution and modesty. This line is a reminder that the guidance of the Sage is crucial to our success and that we should not let our egos get in the way of following that guidance. It also emphasises the importance of being open and receptive to change rather than being stubborn and refusing to adapt. This way, we can avoid unnecessary obstacles and move forward with greater ease and success.