临 Lín Advance (Approach) [hexagram 19]

Earth element

遁 Dùn [33] Withdrawal; Retreat

Opposite

观 Guān [20] Contemplation; Observation

Inverse

复 Fù [24] Returning; Turning back

Mutual

The Decision

‘Advance’ brings good fortune, perseverance is the key but in the eighth month there will be trouble.

Able to advance as strength is increasing, joyous and willing. Strength in the center generates an appropriate response. ‘Advance brings good fortune, perseverance is the key’ – this is the Dao of heaven. ‘In the eighth month there will be trouble’ – the advance will be brief.

临: 元, 亨, 利, 贞. 至于八月有凶. Lín: yuán, hēng, lì, zhēn. zhì yú bā yuè yǒu xiōng.

彖传: 临, 刚浸而长. 说而顺, 刚中而应, 大亨以正, 天之道也. 至于八月有凶, 消不久也. Tuàn zhuàn: Lín, gāng jìn ér zhǎng. shuō ér shùn, gāng zhōng ér yīng, dà hēng yǐ zhèng, tiān zhī dào yě. zhì yú bā yuè yǒu xiōng, xiāo bù jiǔ yě.

The Image

Earth above Lake signifies ‘advance’. The unceasing instruction of the wise sustains and supports everyone.

象传: 泽上有地, 临; 君子以教思无穷, 容保民无疆. Xiàng zhuàn: Zé shàng yǒu dì, lín; jūn zǐ yǐ jiào sī wú qióng, róng bǎo mín wú jiāng.

Line Change 1

师 Shī [7] Throng; Multitude

Advancing in good order, perseverance will be rewarded.

‘Advancing in good order, perseverance will be rewarded’ – committed to doing the right thing.

初九: 咸临, 贞吉. Chū jiǔ: xián lín, zhēn jí.

象传: 咸临贞吉, 志行正也. Xiàng zhuàn: Xián lín zhēn jí, zhì xíng zhèng yě.

Line Change 2

复 Fù [24] Returning; Turning back

Advancing together. Good fortune. To advance is wholly advantageous.

‘Good fortune. To advance is wholly advantageous’ – others lag behind.

九二: 咸临, 吉无不利. Jiǔ èr: xián lín, jí wú bù lì.

象传: 咸临, 吉无不利; 未顺命也. Xiàng zhuàn: Xián lín, jí wú bù lì; wèi shùn mìng yě.

Line Change 3

泰 Tài [11] Progress; Interplay

Ready to advance but untimely; however, if showing due concern there is no blame.

‘Ready to advance but untimely’ – due to the improper position. ‘However, if showing due concern there is no blame’ – the misfortune is brief.

六三: 甘临, 无攸利. 既忧之, 无咎. Liù sān: gān lín, wú yōu lì. jì yōu zhī, wú jiù.

象传: 甘临, 位不当也. 既忧之, 咎不长也. Xiàng zhuàn: Gān lín, wèi bù dàng yě. jì yōu zhī, jiù bù cháng yě.

Line Change 4

归妹 Guī mèi [54] Union; Marrying

Committed to advance without making mistakes. This is appropriate.

‘Committed to advance without making mistakes’ – a suitable position.

六四: 至临, 无咎. Liù sì: zhì lín, wú jiù.

象传: 至临无咎, 位当也. Xiàng zhuàn: Zhì lín wú jiù, wèi dàng yě.

Line Change 5

节 Jié [60] Limitation; Restriction

Wisdom advances as befits a great leader. Very promising.

‘Befits a great leader’ – the middle way is pursued.

六五: 知临, 大君之宜, 吉. Liù wǔ: zhī lín, dà jūn zhī yí, jí.

象传: 大君之宜, 行中之谓也. Xiàng zhuàn: Dà jūn zhī yí, xíng zhōng zhī wèi yě.

Line Change 6

损 Sǔn [41] Decrease; Diminution

Sincere commitment brings advance. There is benefit and no fault.

‘Sincere commitment brings advance’ – the inward power wins out.

上六: 敦临, 吉无咎. Shàng liù: dūn lín, jí wú jiù.

象传: 敦临之吉, 志在内也. Xiàng zhuàn: Dūn lín zhī jí, zhì zài nèi yě.