䷕ Bi Bì
Core Meaning
The Bi hexagram reveals the wisdom of adornment. 'Fire under the mountain', firelight illuminates rocks, presenting a splendor of beauty. 'The yielding comes to adorn the firm', yin and yang intertwine, firmness and softness complement each other, this is 'celestial patterns'. 'Civilization stopping appropriately', adornment should have limits, this is 'human patterns'. From the simplicity of 'adorning his toes' in the Initial Nine, to the appropriateness of 'adorned and moist' in Nine in the Third Place, to the elegant plainness of 'white' in Six in the Fourth Place, and then to the return to simplicity of 'white adornment' in the Top Nine, it demonstrates the progression and regression of adornment. 'Observe the human patterns to transform and cultivate the world', appropriate adornment can educate the world, but 'daring not to decide cases based on appearances', one must not be misled by surfaces.
The Judgment
Bi, prosperity. Small advantage in having a direction to go.
Interpretation:
The Hexagram of Adornment (Bi) symbolizes ornamentation and smooth prosperity. It is mildly advantageous for the weak to proceed.
The Image
Fire under the mountain, Adornment (Bi); The superior person thus clarifies common affairs, daring not to decide cases (litigate) based on appearances.
Structure
The Bi hexagram has Li (fire) below and Gen (mountain) above. Li represents fire and civilization/brightness, Gen represents mountain and stopping. Fire under the mountain, the firelight illuminates the mountain, creating a splendid and beautiful scene. 'The yielding comes to adorn the firm' (Yi Jing commentary), the yin softness adorns the yang firmness, with firmness and softness intermingling, which is 'celestial patterns'. 'Civilization stopping appropriately', adornment should be moderate, knowing when to stop, which is 'human patterns'. This hexagram emphasizes the balance between form and content – both beautification and adornment are necessary, but not to excess. One should 'observe the celestial patterns to discern the changes of the times, and observe the human patterns to transform and cultivate the world'.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Nine: Adorning his toes, he forsakes the carriage and walks.
Six in the Second Place: Adorning his beard.
Nine in the Third Place: Adorned and moist, perpetually firm, auspicious.
Six in the Fourth Place: Adorned and white (plain), like a white horse swift, not a robber but a marital union.
Six in the Fifth Place: Adorning the hill garden, a bundle of silk sparse and humble. There will be regret, but in the end, auspicious.
Top Nine: White adornment, no blame.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In career, focus on balancing form and content. 'The yielding comes to adorn the firm', use appropriate packaging to enhance value. 'Clarify common affairs', handle matters with discernment, not being fooled by splendid appearances. Nine in the Third Place, 'adorned and moist, perpetually firm, auspicious', appropriate adornment combined with adherence to the correct path can lead to success. 'Small advantage in having a direction to go', moderate packaging is beneficial for the weak. However, avoid excess; the Top Nine's 'white adornment' signifies a return to simplicity as a state of being. 'Daring not to decide cases based on appearances', major decisions cannot solely rely on surface impressions.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships require appropriate management and adornment. Six in the Second Place, 'adorning his beard', 'advancing with the superior', mutual adornment can complement each other. Nine in the Third Place, 'adorned and moist', nurturing and enriching the other person. Six in the Fourth Place, 'not a robber but a marital union', dispelling doubts and bravely pursuing. Six in the Fifth Place, 'adorning the hill garden', even if the gift is modest ('a bundle of silk sparse and humble'), sincerity is still valuable, 'regret, but in the end, auspicious'. But avoid excessive packaging; the Top Nine's 'white adornment', unadorned simplicity is 'no blame'. Initial Nine's 'forsakes the carriage and walks', sometimes simplicity is a virtue.
🎯 Decision Making
Decisions must grasp the degree of adornment. 'Observe the celestial patterns to discern the changes of the times', adapt to objective laws. 'Observe the human patterns to transform and cultivate the world', influence through culture. 'Firmness and softness intermingling is celestial patterns', be both firm and yielding. 'Civilization stopping appropriately', knowing when to stop is crucial. From 'adorning his toes' to 'white adornment', from decoration to returning to simplicity, is a cycle. 'Clarify common affairs, daring not to decide cases based on appearances', one must not be misled by superficial adornments; discern the essence. 'Small advantage in having a direction to go', moderate embellishment can aid progress.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is excessive adornment. Overemphasizing form can neglect content; 'daring not to decide cases based on appearances', do not make hasty judgments because of a beautiful surface. The 'stopping' in 'civilization stopping appropriately' is very important; not knowing when to restrain can lead to superficiality. Initial Nine's 'forsakes the carriage and walks', 'it is not right to ride', some adornments are unnecessary. Six in the Fifth Place, 'a bundle of silk sparse and humble' though 'regretful' is 'in the end, auspicious'; too much adornment is not as good as sincerity. Top Nine's 'white adornment' reminds one to return to the essence; if one constantly pursues splendor, one will get lost.
Applicable Scenarios
The Bi hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
The Duke of Zhou's establishment of rites and music embodies the spirit of the Bi hexagram. He 'observed the human patterns to transform and cultivate the world', educating the populace through the adornment of rites and music. 'The yielding comes to adorn the firm', using gentle etiquette to regulate firm behavior. 'Civilization stopping appropriately', rites were complex but measured, knowing when to stop. 'Clarify common affairs, daring not to decide cases based on appearances', not letting the complexity of rites affect substantial judgment. 'Adorning the hill garden, a bundle of silk sparse and humble', valuing simple virtue over lavish forms. This is precisely the wisdom of the Bi hexagram: refined and courteous, possessing both literary brilliance and simplicity, where form serves content, adorning but not excessively.
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 Bi 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: