Hexagram 27 of 64
頤 Yí · Nourishment
上 艮 Mountain (Gèn) over 下 震 Thunder (Zhèn)
What you nourish today, you become tomorrow.
Judgment
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, judgment. English translation in preparation.
Image
In short: thunder below the mountain.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, Great Image. Short gloss by Koyonari; full translation in preparation.
Commentary
Yí shows thunder beneath the mountain, upper resting still while lower moves, tracing the open shape of jaws. Yí speaks of nourishment: what you feed your eyes, ears, and body today shapes what you become tomorrow. Discernment happens right at the threshold of intake; attempting to filter things after they have entered takes many times more strength.
Koyonari commentary.
The Six Lines
“Abandoning your sacred tortoise to watch my drooling jaws; misfortune.” One abandons the ability to sustain oneself like a sacred tortoise and instead envies others moving their cheeks as they eat. Duǒ yí describes this movement of the cheeks. The first yang line already has the capacity for self-nourishment, yet turns to craving support from outside. Thus the judgment is misfortune, meaning an unfavorable outcome.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 1. Koyonari translation.
“Looking at me with drooping jaws is likewise not worthy of respect.” The line statement speaks of abandoning one’s sacred tortoise (which ancient commentaries take as needing no outside sustenance and being self-sufficient) and instead watching others chew food with puffed cheeks; greedily craving from outside like this is not worthy of honor.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 2. Koyonari translation.
“Upside-down nourishment, violating the constant norm; seeking nourishment from the hill; setting forth brings misfortune.” The second yin line seeks nourishment from below, reversing the usual order of support; this is inverted nourishment. It also seeks nourishment from above, but proceeding in this way brings misfortune, meaning an unfavorable outcome. Jīng means the usual order, and qiū means a high place, referring here to the top yang line. Seeking support also requires an appropriate relationship.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 3. Koyonari translation.
“Six in the second place advancing brings misfortune, for it loses its kind.” Moving forward brings misfortune because it loses its fellows. The line statement says it seeks nourishment upside down contrary to reason; advancing means losing its kind.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 4. Koyonari translation.
“Violating proper nourishment; steadfastness brings misfortune. For ten years do not act; nothing is favorable.” Fú means going against something. The third yin line occupies the third position, neither central nor properly placed, and goes against the right way of nourishment. Thus the judgment “steadfastness: misfortune” means that even steadfastness brings an unfavorable outcome here. The ten-year prohibition means it must not be used for a long time, with no benefit.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 5. Koyonari translation.
“Do not act for ten years, for the path is greatly contrary.” The line statement forbids action for ten years; the Small Images explains that the course pursued is profoundly contrary, violating proper principles of nourishment.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 6. Koyonari translation.
“Reaching downward for nourishment brings good fortune. Gazing fiercely like a tiger, desires pursuing keenly; no blame.” The fourth yin line holds an upper position but seeks support from below, drawing on a worthy person there to nourish others. Hence good fortune, meaning a favorable result. Its gaze is focused and imposing, like a tiger looking down, and its desire for help continues without interruption. No blame means no fault; the support sought here serves the responsibility of nourishing others.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 7. Koyonari translation.
“The good fortune of upside-down nourishment: light shines from above.” Six in the fourth place seeks nourishment below; though upside-down, it brings good fortune because the bestowal from above is glorious.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 8. Koyonari translation.
“Deviating from the constant path; dwelling in steadfastness brings good fortune. One cannot cross the great river.” The fifth yin line cannot nourish others on its own and must rely on the top yang line. This departs from the usual order in which those above support those below. Remaining in place with steadfastness, meaning holding to the right path, brings good fortune, a favorable result. The prohibition on crossing a great river indicates insufficient strength to undertake a major, risky venture.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 9. Koyonari translation.
“Abiding steadfast brings good fortune, yielding to the top.” Steadfastness brings good fortune because Six in the fifth place follows Nine at the top.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 10. Koyonari translation.
“Source of all nourishment; danger brings good fortune. Favorable to cross the great river.” The top yang line is responsible for nourishing everyone; this is what nourishment proceeding from it means. The responsibility is heavy, and the situation involves danger. Only by remaining watchful and cautious can it attain good fortune, a favorable outcome. A favorable crossing of a great river represents the ability to undertake major, difficult tasks.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 11. Koyonari translation.
“Nourishment comes from him; in peril, yet good fortune—there is great cause for celebration.” All people receive nourishment from him; remaining cautious in this heavy station brings good fortune and ultimately great celebration.
Zhouyi, hexagram 27, line 12. Koyonari translation.