䷏ Yu yù
Core Meaning
The Yu hexagram symbolizes peace and joy, but one must grasp the proper measure. Thunder bursts forth from the earth, all things are stirred and delighted. To move with submission, adapting to circumstances. But one must guard against excessive enjoyment; 'singing out in delight, ominous' and 'dark delight' are warnings against indulgence. True Yu is 'making music to honor virtue,' elevating morality through ritual and music.
The Judgment
It is beneficial to establish feudal lords and dispatch armies.
Interpretation:
The Yu hexagram symbolizes joy and peace. It is beneficial to establish feudal lords and launch military expeditions.
The Image
Thunder bursts forth from the earth, Yu; the ancient kings, by this, made music to honor virtue, abundantly offered sacrifices to God, and thereby accorded with their ancestors.
Structure
Zhen above Kun below, thunder bursting forth from the earth. Zhen means movement, thunder; Kun means submission, earth. Movement (activated by submission), hence joy.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: Singing out in delight, ominous.
Six in the second place: Steadfast like a rock, not for a full day, righteous and auspicious.
Six in the third place: Looking for delight, regret. Delay brings remorse.
Nine in the fourth place: Delight comes from oneself, great accomplishment. No doubt. Friends gather like hairpins.
Six in the fifth place: Righteous sickness, constant yet not dying.
Top six: Indulgent delight, if changed, there will be no blame.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Career is smooth, suitable for establishing achievements. 'Beneficial to establish feudal lords and dispatch armies' indicates great potential for action. Nine in the fourth place 'delight derived from oneself, great gain' means bringing joy to others also benefits oneself. But be wary of the self-satisfaction of 'singing out in delight.' Six in the second place 'firm as a rock, not for a whole day' reminds one to always be vigilant, not overly complacent.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships are harmonious and pleasant. 'To move with submission' means adapting to the other person, leading to natural joy. But 'looking for delight, regret' warns against flattery and fawning. 'Friends gather like hairpins' indicates friends gathering intimately. Avoid 'dark delight,' as indulging in pleasure can lead to problems.
🎯 Decision Making
Currently, it is suitable to follow the trend, but maintain clarity. 'The significance of Yu's time is great,' seizing the opportunity is very important. Acting according to the times can achieve twice the result with half the effort, but 'firm as a rock, not for a whole day,' do not indulge in comfort. One should be like the ancient kings who 'made music to honor virtue,' elevating oneself in joy.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is indulgence in pleasure. 'Singing out in delight, ominous' means excessive pride will lead to misfortune. 'Dark delight' means being muddled in joy without self-awareness. 'Looking for delight, regret' means flattering for pleasure will lead to remorse. Remember 'righteous sickness, but never dying,' only by adhering to the right path can one endure.
Applicable Scenarios
The Yu hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
The Duke of Zhou's establishment of rites and music is an embodiment of the Yu hexagram's 'making music to honor virtue.' He educated the people through music and rituals, 'abundantly offered sacrifices to God,' allowing them to cultivate virtue in joy. But he also deeply understood the principle of 'firm as a rock, not for a whole day,' always remaining vigilant, not becoming arrogant due to high achievements. This is the wisdom of the Yu hexagram: to rejoice with the times, but not to indulge; joy in moderation, always honoring virtue.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Yu hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: