䷝ Li Lí
Core Meaning
The Li hexagram reveals the wisdom of attachment and brightness. 'Li, also means attachment'; attachment is its essence. 'The sun and moon adhere to the sky, and all grains and plants adhere to the earth'; all things need something to attach to. 'When double brightness adheres to rectitude, it transforms and perfects the world'; brightness adhering to the right path can civilize the world. 'When brightness rises twice', brightness is continuous; 'extending its light to illuminate all four quarters', one must continue to shine. 'Softness adheres to the mean and correct'; attachment should be gentle and moderate; 'raising a docile cow brings good fortune'. Six in the second place: 'Yellow Li, supreme good fortune' means 'obtaining the middle path'. Nine in the third place: 'The setting sun's Li'; 'how can it last long?', the setting sun cannot last long. Nine in the fourth place: 'Suddenly it comes', 'having no place to settle', there is no place for attachment.
The Judgment
Li, favorable for perseverance, leading to success. Raising a docile cow brings good fortune.
Interpretation:
The hexagram Li symbolizes attachment and adherence; it is favorable for adhering to the right path and will lead to smooth success. Raising a docile cow brings good fortune.
The Image
When brightness rises twice, that is Li; the noble person thereby extends their light and illuminates all four quarters.
Structure
The upper and lower trigrams of the Li hexagram are both Li, forming a double Li. Li represents fire, the sun, and brightness, thus symbolizing continuous brightness. 'The sun and moon adhere to the sky, and all grains and plants adhere to the earth'; all things need something to attach to. 'When double brightness adheres to rectitude, it transforms and perfects the world'; double brightness adhering to the right path can civilize the world. 'Softness adheres to the mean and correct'; the yin lines in the second and fifth positions are soft and obtain the mean. 'When brightness rises twice', the sun rises continuously; 'extending its light to illuminate all four quarters', brightness continues endlessly. This hexagram emphasizes that attachment must be to the right path; 'raising a docile cow brings good fortune', only being gentle and moderate brings good fortune.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial nine: The shoes are in disorder. Respect it, and there will be no blame.
Six in the second place: Yellow Li, supreme good fortune.
Nine in the third place: The setting sun's Li; if one does not beat the pot and sing, then there will be sighs from the very old, which is ominous.
Nine in the fourth place: Suddenly it comes, like burning, like death, like being cast aside.
Six in the fifth place: Tears flow profusely, sorrowful sighs, good fortune.
Top nine: The king uses it to go on an expedition, there is a good capture of the leader, and what is captured is not his own clan, no blame.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In career, one must find the right attachment. 'Li, also means attachment'; one must attach to the right path and an enlightened superior. 'When double brightness adheres to rectitude', being open and upright can lead to career success. Six in the second place: 'Yellow Li, supreme good fortune' means 'obtaining the middle path', being in the middle and staying correct is most auspicious. 'Extending its light to illuminate all four quarters', one must continue to exert value. But one must avoid the decline of 'the setting sun's Li' in the third nine, 'how can it last long?', the sunset cannot last long. Nine in the fourth place: 'Suddenly it comes like burning, like death', 'having no place to settle', finding no attachment is very dangerous. 'Raising a docile cow brings good fortune', one must maintain docility. Top nine: 'The king uses it to go on an expedition', 'to rectify the nation', to rectify the career.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships require mutual attachment. 'Li, also means attachment'; mutual adherence makes them stable. 'Softness adheres to the mean and correct'; one must attach in a gentle and moderate way. Six in the second place: 'Yellow Li' obtaining the middle path is best. 'When brightness rises twice', both parties should shine and contribute. Six in the fifth place: 'Tears flow profusely, sorrowful sighs', 'parting from the duke', if one can get attachment, it is 'good fortune'. But nine in the third place: 'The setting sun's Li', one must be aware of the relationship entering decline; if one does not 'beat the pot and sing', one must adjust one's mindset in time. Nine in the fourth place: 'Like burning, like death', losing attachment is very dangerous. 'Raising a docile cow brings good fortune', one must get along gently.
🎯 Decision Making
When making decisions, one must identify the object and direction of attachment. 'When double brightness adheres to rectitude, it transforms and perfects the world'; adhering to the right path can accomplish great things. 'Softness adheres to the mean and correct'; one must be gentle and uphold moderation. 'When brightness rises twice, extending its light to illuminate all four quarters', one must continue to play a role in enlightenment. Six in the second place: 'Yellow Li, supreme good fortune', obtaining the middle path is best. One must avoid the decline period of 'the setting sun's Li' in the third nine, 'how can it last long?', one must change in time. Nine in the fourth place: 'Having no place to settle', finding no place for attachment is very dangerous. Top nine: 'The king uses it to go on an expedition', 'to rectify the nation', one must rectify the direction.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is improper attachment or loss of attachment. Nine in the third place: 'The setting sun's Li', 'how can it last long?', the setting sun cannot last long; one must 'beat the pot and sing' to adjust one's mindset, otherwise 'the sighs from the very old will be ominous'. Nine in the fourth place: 'Suddenly it comes, like burning, like death, like being cast aside', 'having no place to settle', without attachment one will quickly perish. Initial nine: 'The shoes are in disorder', if it is chaotic from the beginning, one must 'respect it' to be 'without blame', 'to avoid misfortune'. Do not attach blindly, one must 'adhere to rectitude'. One must 'raise a docile cow' to maintain docility, not to be rigid.
Applicable Scenarios
The Li hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
The Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng exemplifies the spirit of the Li hexagram. When King Cheng was young, the Duke of Zhou 'Li, also means attachment', attached to the royal family to assist in governance. 'When double brightness adheres to rectitude', he assisted in an open and upright manner, 'thus transforming and perfecting the world'. 'Softness adheres to the mean and correct', he assisted with the docility of a subject and the way of the mean and correct, 'Yellow Li, supreme good fortune'. 'Extending light to illuminate all four quarters', he continuously played a role in establishing rites and music. Suppressing rebellious forces was 'the king uses it to go on an expedition, to rectify the nation'. Finally, he returned power to King Cheng, 'raising a docile cow brings good fortune', maintaining docility. This is the wisdom of the Li hexagram: attaching to the right, shining continuously, being gentle and moderate, and achieving great undertakings.
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 Li 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: