Above is the trigram Zhen (Thunder), below is the trigram Qian (Heaven). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a general at the head of a huge, perfectly drilled army, waiting for his signal to rush into attack and sweep the enemy away. DA ZHUANG is the ascending movement of storm clouds, and in a broader sense, increasing strength (‘da’ means ‘great’, ‘zhuang’ means ‘strength’). The appearance of this hexagram reflects the combination of the mobility of thunder and the strength of heaven. Four Yang lines indicate increasing power, as if the entire lower trigram Yang spreads its influence to the upper part of the hexagram.
The hexagram Da Zhuang indicates great strength and firm will, unusual fate, and extraordinary abilities. It signifies that now is the time for positive achievements. Powerful strength and energy in a person’s hands, circumstances favor decisive and bold actions and decisions.
But the greater the strength, the higher the price of minor mistakes, and wisdom and following Heaven help avoid them. It is only necessary to develop strength within oneself and know where to apply it. Do not forget that excessive force and overconfidence are dangerous. Flexibility, openness to advice, receptiveness, and persistence are the conditions for effective strength. Without honesty and inner sincerity, the strongest person is unlikely to create something useful. True strength is visible in those who possess it but do not use it carelessly or unnecessarily. For he who controls himself controls the world.