21. Shì Kè 噬嗑
CORRECTIVE MEASURES, BITE, CLAMPED TEETH
Key Concepts:
elimination of obstacles, judgment, restoration of order, opposition to negativity, system of laws, rules and responsibility, inevitable punishment (of evil)
The time has come to address the issue decisively. There may be resistance, but victory awaits if you are resolute.
Above is the trigram Li (Fire), below is the trigram Zhen (Thunder). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is lightning that accompanies a storm. It indicates how nature breaks through obstacles and eliminates tension. The shape of Shi He also signifies an open and filled mouth (Yang lines at the top and bottom symbolize lips). 'Shi' means 'to bite', and 'He' means 'to close' — an action that removes obstacles, here amplified by the image of breaking through a barrier.
The hexagram indicates it is time to resolve a problem, but this must be done decisively and without hesitation. Postponing a difficult question 'for later', thereby procrastinating and allowing the difficult situation to take root in your life is far from the best behavior strategy. The time for decisive actions has come, the time to overcome obstacles. In your actions, be like Thunder and Lightning, which compose the hexagram. Momentum, courage, adherence to principles, firmness – your support in the upcoming action. The hexagram advises to fight for your rights and demand punishment for your offenders: 'Favorable to administer justice'.
However, be vigilant. The situation is dangerous, serious resistance is expected, you may encounter cunning, intrigue, and desperate resistance from your opponents. But in the end, victory awaits if your strategy involves boldly facing difficulties and dangers and acting with the aim of resolving them. Do not try to bypass the problem, seek a compromise, or postpone the solution for later. Act decisively and promptly.
As they say in China: 'former rulers, observing this, realized that proponents of violence, cruelty, misfortune, and evil in most cases move towards death (their own and others'), and none of them can avoid it. Always, from the absence of awareness, comes the presence of examples for punishments, thereby ordering the articles of laws, so people dare not commit crimes'. The law and the necessity of its observance, expressed in punishment – one of the effective ways to combat evil, discussed by this hexagram. You have something to rely on, for in the battle against evil and difficulties, on your side are truth and the law. This is a time of trials, having passed which, you will become stronger and reinforce your forces.
The hexagram indicates it is time to resolve a problem, but this must be done decisively and without hesitation. Postponing a difficult question 'for later', thereby procrastinating and allowing the difficult situation to take root in your life is far from the best behavior strategy. The time for decisive actions has come, the time to overcome obstacles. In your actions, be like Thunder and Lightning, which compose the hexagram. Momentum, courage, adherence to principles, firmness – your support in the upcoming action. The hexagram advises to fight for your rights and demand punishment for your offenders: 'Favorable to administer justice'.
However, be vigilant. The situation is dangerous, serious resistance is expected, you may encounter cunning, intrigue, and desperate resistance from your opponents. But in the end, victory awaits if your strategy involves boldly facing difficulties and dangers and acting with the aim of resolving them. Do not try to bypass the problem, seek a compromise, or postpone the solution for later. Act decisively and promptly.
As they say in China: 'former rulers, observing this, realized that proponents of violence, cruelty, misfortune, and evil in most cases move towards death (their own and others'), and none of them can avoid it. Always, from the absence of awareness, comes the presence of examples for punishments, thereby ordering the articles of laws, so people dare not commit crimes'. The law and the necessity of its observance, expressed in punishment – one of the effective ways to combat evil, discussed by this hexagram. You have something to rely on, for in the battle against evil and difficulties, on your side are truth and the law. This is a time of trials, having passed which, you will become stronger and reinforce your forces.
I Ching Talking
Perseverance in difficulties is favorable.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Put shackles and press down on the toes.
No blame.
The approaching danger may seem inevitable, but being forewarned means being armed.
Bite through soft flesh. It presses your nose. No blame.
A goal too easily achieved carries its own dangers.
Bite through hardened flesh, meet poison, minor regret. No blame.
Progress is hindered by obstacles and doubts, but all is far from lost.
Bite through flesh on the bone, to extract a metal arrow. Perseverance in difficulties is favorable.
Careful persistence will bear fruit.
Bite through dried flesh, obtain yellow gold. Perseverance is dreadful. No blame.
Despite the dangers, courage and persistence will well arm you.
Shackles are put on, pressing the ears.
Misfortune.
Perhaps you are not sensing the approaching danger or are too caught up in punishing others.