䷃ Ignorance méng
Core Meaning
The Hexagram Meng symbolizes enlightenment education and learning and growth. Like a clear spring beneath a mountain, it requires finding the right source to gush forth. It emphasizes the importance of active and sincere seeking of knowledge, and for educators, knowing when and how to teach according to individual aptitude. Nourishing righteousness through enlightenment is a sacred endeavor.
The Judgment
Auspicious. It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me. The first oracle is answered; if two or three times profaned, it will not be answered. Perseverance is beneficial.
Interpretation:
The Hexagram Meng (Ignorance) symbolizes a state of unenlightenment, but it can lead to success and prosperity. It is not I who seek out the ignorant, but the ignorant who seek me. The first questioning of the oracle is answered; if profaned repeatedly, it will no longer be answered. It is beneficial to uphold the righteous path.
The Image
A spring gushes forth from beneath a mountain: Meng. The superior person cultivates virtue through resolute conduct.
Structure
Gen above Kan below, a spring below the mountain. Gen represents the mountain and stopping, Kan represents water and danger, symbolizing that ignorance needs enlightenment.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Six: To disclose ignorance. It is beneficial to use punishment to loosen fetters. Going forward brings regret.
Nine in the second place: To embrace the ignorant brings good fortune. To take a wife brings good fortune. The son will be able to manage the household.
Six in the third place: Do not take a maiden who, seeing a man of wealth, loses her integrity. There is no advantage.
Six in the fourth place: Imprisoned in ignorance. Regret.
Six in the fifth place: Childlike ignorance. Good fortune.
Top Nine: To strike ignorance. It is not beneficial to be a robber, but beneficial to ward off robbers.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
You are in a stage of learning and growth, and need to humbly seek guidance. 'The ignorant youth who seeks me' indicates that you should actively seek guidance, but not be half-hearted. 'To embrace the ignorant brings good fortune' means you should be tolerant of your own shortcomings; only through diligent study can the 'son manage the household' and bear great responsibilities.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships need cultivation and guidance. 'Do not take a maiden who, seeing a man of wealth, loses her integrity' warns us to choose a partner with integrity. True affection requires mutual enlightenment and shared growth, not just superficial appearance.
🎯 Decision Making
You are currently in a state of ignorance; do not rush into decisions. Humbly seek guidance and find a trustworthy mentor. 'The first oracle is answered; if two or three times profaned, it will not be answered' means that serious matters should be treated with caution, and one should not be fickle.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The regret of being 'imprisoned in ignorance' means that being far from good teachers and friends will make one narrow-minded. 'Striking ignorance' should not be done too hastily; education should be progressive. Being overly strict will backfire; one should guide, not coerce.
Applicable Scenarios
The Ignorance hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Confucius dedicated his life to education, emphasizing 'education without discrimination' and 'teaching according to aptitude'. The Meng hexagram's 'It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me' precisely reflects Confucius's educational philosophy: students should actively seek knowledge, and teachers should seize the opportunity to enlighten. 'If two or three times profaned, it will not be answered' also illustrates the importance of attitude in learning; one should not profane knowledge, but hold it in awe.
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 Ignorance 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: