䷢ Progress jìn
Core Meaning
The Jin hexagram reveals the wisdom of progress. True promotion is not achieved through cunning or trickery, but through increasingly manifest virtue. Like light emerging from the earth, its brilliance is natural; like a subordinate attaching to a bright ruler, progress is made with the current. The Jin hexagram emphasizes: do not be disheartened by initial obstacles, 'progressing yet hindered' but holding to correctness brings good fortune; if not yet trusted, be generous and patient, 'no blame' for waiting; do not retreat when anxious, 'troubled yet persevering' will ultimately bring blessings; once acknowledged, continue to advance, 'the multitude trusts, regret disappears' for upward ambition; those in unsuitable positions must be cautious, 'large rat, perseverance brings danger' advises against reckless advancement; those in positions of honor should not worry, 'do not worry about gain or loss' all endeavors will be auspicious; reaching the peak requires vigilance, 'progressing to its horns' means the way is not yet fully enlightened. The wisdom of Jin hexagram is: progress through virtue, go with the flow, accumulate gradually, without arrogance or impatience. Modern career paths particularly need the spirit of Jin hexagram: rely on genuine ability, not connections, steadily climb the ladder.
The Judgment
The Marquis Kang is bestowed with many horses, and is received three times in one day.
Interpretation:
The Jin hexagram symbolizes progress and promotion, like an honorable marquis receiving numerous chariots and horses from the Son of Heaven, and being received multiple times within a single day. Light emerges from the earth, flourishing and thriving, progressing with the current, and showing increasing virtue.
The Image
Light emerges from the earth, bringing progress; the superior person illuminates their virtue.
Structure
The Jin hexagram has Kun (Earth) below and Li (Fire) above, forming the image of Fire over Earth. As the morning sun rises, its light shines upon the earth, and all things flourish and thrive—this is the atmosphere of 'Jin' (Progress). The lower trigram Kun represents obedience, and the upper trigram Li represents brightness; to be obedient and attached to brightness is the path of progress. In this hexagram, the yielding yin lines ascend, like a subordinate rising in rank. The sixth line in the fifth place, though yielding, occupies a place of honor, indicating appreciation and trust. Jin hexagram does not represent sudden ascension, but gradual accumulation. 'Light emerges from the earth' signifies virtue becoming increasingly evident; 'obedient and attached to great brightness' means aligning oneself with the righteous path. True progress is led by virtue, like the light of the rising sun, naturally illuminating heaven and earth.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Six: Progressing, yet hindered; perseverance brings good fortune. Without trust, but generous, no blame.
Six in the Second Place: Progressing, yet troubled; perseverance brings good fortune. Receiving great blessings from the king's mother.
Six in the Third Place: The multitude trusts; regret disappears.
Nine in the Fourth Place: Progressing like a large rat; perseverance brings danger.
Six in the Fifth Place: Regret disappears. Do not worry about gain or loss; moving forward brings good fortune, nothing is unfavorable.
Top Nine: Progressing to its horns. It is used to attack the city. Dangerous, but auspicious with no blame; perseverance leads to regret.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Career advancement depends on genuine ability; 'illuminating one's virtue' is fundamental. Just as the rising sun naturally shines, true talent will naturally be noticed. Initial setbacks are normal; 'progressing yet hindered' means do not be discouraged, adhering to the right path will eventually bring good fortune. Do not rush if not yet trusted; 'no blame' means patiently waiting for opportunities. It's normal to have worries; 'troubled yet persevering' means persistence will bring rewards. After gaining recognition, continue to work hard; 'the multitude trusts, regret disappears' signifies being widely supported. Absolutely avoid trying to rise to a position without sufficient ability; 'large rat, perseverance brings danger' warns that an unsuitable position will be perilous. Truly high-ranking individuals do not dwell on gains or losses; 'do not worry about gain or loss, moving forward brings good fortune' means to advance boldly. Reaching the pinnacle requires vigilance; 'progressing to its horns' indicates the peak, and if the path is not fully enlightened, prosperity can quickly decline. Remember: progress relies on virtue, not tactics; steady advancement is the most enduring.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships also need gradual development, not hasty achievements. Like the sun slowly rising in the east, emotions need time to cultivate. Initial difficulties are normal; 'progressing yet hindered' means holding onto true feelings will eventually bring auspiciousness. If the other person has not fully trusted yet, 'no blame' means giving each other time and space. Do not retreat due to inner worries; 'troubled yet persevering' means true feelings will eventually move the other person. After gaining the other's acknowledgment, 'the multitude trusts, regret disappears' allows for further development. Absolutely avoid forcing a relationship when conditions are not right; 'large rat, perseverance brings danger' warns that a shaky foundation is perilous. Once the relationship is stable, do not dwell on gains or losses; 'do not worry about gain or loss' means mutual tolerance. However, a relationship cannot always remain at a peak state; 'progressing to its horns' means too much intimacy can actually require space. True relationships are: natural progression, virtue matching, gradually improving.
🎯 Decision Making
When making decisions, grasp the timing and pace of progress. 'Light emerges from the earth' tells us that true progress is natural. Do not give up on initial obstacles; 'perseverance brings good fortune' means holding to the righteous path. Do not force support if not yet received; 'no blame' means patiently waiting with tolerance. Do not retreat if you have concerns; 'perseverance brings good fortune' means persistence will bring rewards. Once acknowledged, push forward decisively; 'the multitude trusts, regret disappears' signifies the ambition to advance. But pay attention to the match between ability and position; 'large rat, perseverance brings danger' warns against reckless advancement with insufficient ability. Once in a suitable position, do not dwell on gains or losses; 'moving forward brings good fortune, nothing is unfavorable' means to advance boldly. After reaching the top, be vigilant; 'progressing to its horns, the way is not yet fully enlightened,' means excessive ambition can lead to decline. Wisdom lies in: moving with the current, virtue matching the position, knowing when to advance and when to stop.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The biggest warning of the Jin hexagram is that disaster will strike if virtue does not match the position. 'Large rat, perseverance brings danger' is the most perilous situation: if one lacks ability yet forcibly ascends to a high position, like a rat with many tricks but no true skill, danger is inevitable. When 'progressing yet hindered,' one must not lose heart, but also must not force advancement without considering one's actual capabilities. 'Progressing to its horns' warns that extremes lead to reversal: the peak of progress is the most dangerous time; if one is eager for achievement when 'the way is not yet fully enlightened,' it will lead to failure. Be wary of: relying on cunning and trickery instead of genuine talent, being impatient for success and neglecting foundational accumulation, becoming arrogant after gaining power, and not knowing when to be restrained at the peak. True progress is 'illuminating one's virtue,' like the rising sun naturally shining; virtue matching the position ensures longevity. Remember: virtue precedes position, ability precedes reputation; the foundation of progress is self-cultivation.
Applicable Scenarios
The Progress hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Jiang Ziya meeting King Wen at eighty years old is a reflection of the Jin hexagram. He was fishing in the Wei River, not passively waiting, but 'illuminating his virtue' and cultivating his knowledge. 'Progressing yet hindered,' he was unsuccessful in his early life, but 'persevered' in his righteousness. 'Without trust, but generous, no blame,' he was not anxious even when unappreciated. When King Wen visited to seek a wise person, 'the multitude trusts, regret disappears,' his virtue was finally recognized. 'Receiving great blessings,' he was appointed grand mentor, summoned three times a day, which is exactly 'received three times in one day.' He was not 'incapable like a large rat,' but possessed true talent and learning. Assisting King Wu in conquering Zhou, 'do not worry about gain or loss, moving forward brings good fortune,' he disregarded personal gains and losses. After achieving success, he was enfeoffed in Qi, 'progressing to its horns,' reaching the peak but knowing when to advance and retreat. This is precisely the wisdom of the Jin hexagram: accumulating strength over time, having virtue match the position, moving with the current, and ultimately achieving great things.
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 Progress 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: