The 64 hexagrams

Browse every hexagram by number, search by name or theme, or filter by element.

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No. 1QiánThe CreativeNo. 2KūnThe ReceptiveNo. 3ZhūnDifficulty at the BeginningNo. 4MéngYouthful FollyNo. 5WaitingNo. 6SòngConflictNo. 7ShīThe ArmyNo. 8Holding TogetherNo. 9小畜Xiǎo ChùSmall TamingNo. 10TreadingNo. 11TàiPeaceNo. 12StandstillNo. 13同人Tóng RénFellowshipNo. 14大有Dà YǒuGreat PossessionNo. 15QiānModestyNo. 16EnthusiasmNo. 17SuíFollowingNo. 18Work on the DecayedNo. 19LínApproachNo. 20GuānContemplationNo. 21噬嗑Shì KēBiting ThroughNo. 22GraceNo. 23Splitting ApartNo. 24ReturnNo. 25无妄Wú WàngInnocenceNo. 26大畜Dà ChùGreat TamingNo. 27NourishmentNo. 28大过Dà GuòGreat PreponderanceNo. 29KǎnThe AbysmalNo. 30The ClingingNo. 31XiánInfluenceNo. 32HéngDurationNo. 33DùnRetreatNo. 34大壮Dà ZhuàngGreat PowerNo. 35JìnProgressNo. 36明夷Míng YíDarkening of the LightNo. 37家人Jiā RénThe FamilyNo. 38KuíOppositionNo. 39JiǎnObstructionNo. 40XièDeliveranceNo. 41SǔnDecreaseNo. 42IncreaseNo. 43GuàiBreakthroughNo. 44GòuComing to MeetNo. 45CuìGathering TogetherNo. 46ShēngPushing UpwardNo. 47KùnOppressionNo. 48JǐngThe WellNo. 49RevolutionNo. 50DǐngThe CaldronNo. 51ZhènThe ArousingNo. 52GènKeeping StillNo. 53JiànDevelopmentNo. 54归妹Guī MèiThe Marrying MaidenNo. 55FēngAbundanceNo. 56The WandererNo. 57XùnThe GentleNo. 58DuìThe JoyousNo. 59HuànDispersionNo. 60JiéLimitationNo. 61中孚Zhōng FúInner TruthNo. 62小过Xiǎo GuòSmall PreponderanceNo. 63既济Jì JìAfter CompletionNo. 64未济Wèi JìBefore Completion

Hexagram 4 · · Méng

Youthful Folly

Element:
Mountain over Water
Key themes:
ignorance, learning, guidance, innocence, potential

Image

A young shoot growing in the shadow of a mountain, symbolizing innocence, potential, and the need for guidance.

Overall message

Hexagram 4 represents the state of youthful ignorance and the potential for growth through learning and guidance. It emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and a willingness to seek and accept instruction. Success comes from recognizing one's limitations and being open to continuous learning.

Recognize your lack of experience or knowledge. Seek guidance and be open to learning. Approach situations with humility and a willingness to grow.

The six lines

  1. Line 6 · Overcoming Folly

    Overcoming ignorance and folly through discipline and learning.

    Stay committed to your growth and continue to seek knowledge. Avoid complacency.

  2. Line 5 · Willingness to Learn

    A humble and willing attitude towards learning brings success.

    Approach learning with humility and a genuine desire to improve.

  3. Line 4 · Isolation in Ignorance

    Isolating oneself from guidance and learning leads to stagnation.

    Seek out knowledge and do not isolate yourself. Engage with others and be open to new ideas.

  4. Line 3 · Rejection of Guidance

    Rejecting guidance leads to mistakes and setbacks.

    Accept advice and learn from your mistakes. Do not be stubborn or arrogant.

  5. Line 2 · Tolerance and Patience

    A patient and tolerant approach to teaching and learning is necessary.

    Be patient with yourself and others. Learning is a gradual process.

  6. Line 1 · Discipline and Guidance

    The beginning of learning requires discipline and the guidance of a teacher.

    Be open to instruction and follow the guidance of those more experienced.