Hexagram 34 “Great Power”

Haiku and Commentary


Great Power: a gift
and a challenge. Seek wisdom;
act impeccably.

6
Horns caught in the fence;
No advancing, nor retreat.
Learn from your mistakes.

5
Release your stubborn-
ness, borrow strength if you must.
Ne regrette rien.

4
Correct yourself, lead
others. Yielding barriers;
powerful movement.

3
Butting horns against
a hedge: impetuous show
of rambunctious force

2
Self-mastery, wise
limits, power in balance,
becoming correct.

1
Ambitious feet climb
too far too fast, fall too soon.
Thus presumption fails.

Thunder over Heaven: the momentum gained in the previous hexagram leads to this meditation on the use and abuse of power. Use it wisely, silently, put it to greatest use by not using it. Ever and again, power is “beneficial if correct.” 

The lines speak to the various uses and misuses of power, returning always to the impulsive ram whose only solution to an obstacle is to trust his spiral horns to force a way.  When he meets a yielding hedge, the entanglements leave him weak, exhausted, vulnerable. His greatest strength is now his greatest weakness.

When in possession of power, best to stick to time-tested rituals of social transaction rather than a misplaced faith in your own strength.  Non-action leads to progress; an ostentatious show of force bring one to an impasse, or worse. Great Power is used by not using it.