62. Xiǎo Guò 小過
PREPONDERANCE OF THE SMALL, HUMILITY, MINOR EXCESS
Key Concepts:
attention to details, careful adjustment, modesty, adaptation to circumstances, a bird in hand
Time to carry out modest tasks, not grand projects. Wait until you understand what to do next, but do not completely abandon your ambitions.
Above is the trigram Zhen (Thunder), below is the trigram Gen (Mountain). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a mountain peak that may seem very close to the source of thunder, but the earthly immobility of the peak does not allow it to rise closer. As the echo of thunder fades, it seems to remind the mountain to engage in worldly matters, not lofty ones.
The form of this hexagram also resembles a bird flapping its wings for flight, but Xiao Guo tells this bird that the time of thunder is not the time for ambitious flights. It is more prudent to fly down from the mountain to a safe nest. Similarly, this hexagram tells us that now is the time for carrying out modest duties, not for implementing grandiose plans.
In this situation, it will be difficult for us to do something significant, and despite our hard work, we may miss some opportunities. It is best to take a reserved stance and focus on small matters until it becomes clear what to do next.
However, we should not completely abandon our ambitions and goal. Self-denial through excessive humility can grow into meanness and disrespect towards others. We must remember balance and not fall into extremes. The hexagram also reminds us that often simple caution can prevent great disaster.
The form of this hexagram also resembles a bird flapping its wings for flight, but Xiao Guo tells this bird that the time of thunder is not the time for ambitious flights. It is more prudent to fly down from the mountain to a safe nest. Similarly, this hexagram tells us that now is the time for carrying out modest duties, not for implementing grandiose plans.
In this situation, it will be difficult for us to do something significant, and despite our hard work, we may miss some opportunities. It is best to take a reserved stance and focus on small matters until it becomes clear what to do next.
However, we should not completely abandon our ambitions and goal. Self-denial through excessive humility can grow into meanness and disrespect towards others. We must remember balance and not fall into extremes. The hexagram also reminds us that often simple caution can prevent great disaster.
I Ching Talking
If, passing by, you do not protect yourself, someone from behind will attack you. Misfortune.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Flying bird.
Possibly – misfortune.
Your adventurism can lead to disaster
You will pass by your great-grandfather and meet your great-grandmother. You will not reach your lord,
you will meet his servant. No slander.
Self-restraint and moderation are required in social relationships
If, passing by, you do not protect yourself, someone from behind will attack you.
Misfortune.
Danger sneaks up from an unexpected place
If, passing by, you do not encounter, then the speech will be terrible.
Restrictions are necessary. Do not act.
Perpetual endurance.
Inner vigilance and external calmness are needed
Dense clouds, but no rain.
They come from our western outskirts.
The prince shoots and hits the one in the cave.
Despite unpromising circumstances,
you can still achieve success
You will not meet, but pass by. The flying bird leaves. Misfortune. This is called calamity and distress.
By going beyond safe boundaries, nothing can be achieved