䷊ Peace tài
Core Meaning
The Peace hexagram symbolizes a time of great peace and smooth progress. Heaven and Earth unite, and all things prosper; upper and lower unite, and wills are aligned. Yang within, Yin without; inner strength, outer compliance. The way of the superior person grows, the way of the inferior person wanes. This is one of the most auspicious hexagrams, but one must also be wary of 'no plain that does not become a slope, no going forth that is not followed by returning,' meaning extreme prosperity can lead to decline.
The Judgment
The small goes, the great comes. Good fortune, success.
Interpretation:
The Peace hexagram symbolizes universal peace and smooth sailing. The small departs, the great arrives. Auspicious and prosperous.
The Image
Heaven and Earth unite, this is Peace. The superior person makes arrangements according to the Way of Heaven and Earth, assisting in the proper functions of Heaven and Earth, thereby governing the people.
Structure
Earth above, Heaven below. Heaven and Earth unite in Peace. The Yang of Heaven ascends within, the Yin of Earth descends without. Yin and Yang interact, leading to prosperity for all things.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Nine: Pulling up cogongrass by its roots, with its kind. To advance brings good fortune.
Nine in the second place: Embracing the wilderness, crossing the river by ferry. Not neglecting the distant, friends perish. One obtains support in the middle course.
Nine in the third place: There is no plain that does not become a slope, no going forth that is not followed by returning. In difficulty and firmness, there is no error. Do not be anxious about truthfulness, there is blessing in food.
Six in the fourth place: Fluttering, not wealthy. With its neighbors. Not guarding against faith.
Six in the fifth place: Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage. This brings blessings and great good fortune.
Top Six: The wall relapses into the moat. Do not use an army. Proclaiming commands from one's own city. Persistence brings regret.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Your career is in its ascending phase, an excellent time to achieve great things. 'Pulling up cogongrass by its roots, with its kind' suggests uniting with comrades and moving forward together. 'Embracing the wilderness, crossing the river by ferry' indicates having an inclusive mind and adventurous spirit. However, 'no going forth that is not followed by returning' reminds one to be prepared for danger in times of peace and not to become complacent.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships are harmonious and beautiful. 'Heaven and Earth unite in Peace' symbolizes a deep understanding between partners. 'Not guarding against faith' means mutual trust requires no defenses. 'Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage' indicates an auspicious union. But remember 'no plain that does not become a slope,' even the best relationships require careful nurturing.
🎯 Decision Making
The current situation is excellent; you can act proactively. 'The small goes, the great comes' means small efforts yield great rewards. 'To advance brings good fortune' encourages progress. However, pay attention to the warning of 'the wall relapses into the moat,' meaning extreme prosperity can lead to misfortune; prepare for decline during flourishing times, and do not become overconfident.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is that prosperity leads to decline. 'No plain that does not become a slope, no going forth that is not followed by returning' clearly states: there is no eternal flatness; what goes must return. 'The wall relapses into the moat' warns that prosperity may collapse. Be prepared for danger in times of peace and remain vigilant during favorable conditions.
Applicable Scenarios
The Peace hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
The Reign of Zhenguan is a classic embodiment of the Peace hexagram. Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, created a golden age where 'Heaven and Earth united, and all things prospered,' with harmonious rulers and ministers, and a well-governed society. Yet, he deeply understood the principle of 'no plain that does not become a slope,' often heeding Wei Zheng's admonitions to 'be prepared for danger in times of peace and avoid extravagance through thrift.' It was precisely because of this vigilance during prosperous times that the Zhenguan era continued to flourish. This exemplifies the wisdom of 'making arrangements according to the Way of Heaven and Earth, assisting in the proper functions of Heaven and Earth.'
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 Peace 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: