䷴ Gradual Progress jiàn
Core Meaning
The Hexagram Jian (Gradual Progress) reveals the wisdom of progressing step by step. Success is not achieved overnight; it requires taking one step at a time. The Hexagram Jian emphasizes: gradual progress, like 'wild geese advancing' from the water's edge to high mountains; following the right path, like 'an auspicious marrying maiden who benefits from rectitude' adhering to rituals; steady advancement, 'stopping and being gentle' being stable and compliant, 'moving without exhaustion' not facing destitution; accumulating virtue, 'cultivating virtuous character' accumulating moral integrity without haste; improving customs, 'improving customs' needing time to change habits and traditions; and avoiding recklessness, 'not to be chaotic' maintaining order without disorder. In modern society, there is a pursuit of rapid success, but Hexagram Jian tells us: fast is not necessarily good, 'an auspicious marrying maiden' indicates that following the right path brings good fortune; one must progress gradually, without jumping steps; one must accumulate steadily, not speculating; and one must uphold the right path, not taking shortcuts. True success is like 'wood on a mountain,' where trees grow gradually, requiring time and accumulation.
The Judgment
The marrying maiden is auspicious. It is advantageous to be upright.
Interpretation:
An auspicious sign for a maiden marrying; it is beneficial to maintain rectitude.
The Image
There is wood on the mountain, showing gradual progress. The superior person uses this to cultivate virtuous character and improve customs.
Structure
The hexagram Jian (Gradual Progress) has Gen (Mountain) as the lower trigram and Xun (Wind) as the upper trigram. Gen, the mountain, is below, and Xun, representing wood or wind, is above, forming the image of 'Wind over Mountain, Gradual Progress'. Wood on a mountain grows gradually, which is the imagery of 'Jian'. Jian means advancing gradually, step by step. The lower trigram Gen signifies stopping, and the upper trigram Xun signifies compliance or gentleness. Stopping and being gentle means advancing steadily. Jian uses wild geese as an analogy: wild geese flying south, from the water's edge to a rock, to land, to trees, to hills, to high mountains, progressing step by step. The essence of Jian lies in: gradual progress, 'wild geese advancing' one step at a time; upholding the right path, 'the marrying maiden is auspicious and beneficial for rectitude' following proper rituals; accumulating virtue and improving customs, 'cultivating virtuous character and improving customs' accumulating virtue and reforming customs; moving without exhaustion, 'stopping and being gentle, moving without exhaustion' advancing steadily without encountering difficulties. Jian is opposite to Gui Mei (The Marrying Maiden - an abrupt marriage), where Jian represents the proper and gradual way, and Gui Mei represents an improper and rash advance. The Jian hexagram emphasizes: gradual progress, upholding rectitude, accumulating, and steady advancement.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: The wild geese gradually advance to the bank. A young man is in danger, there are criticisms, but there will be no blame.
Six in the second place: The wild geese gradually advance to the large rock. They eat and drink joyfully. Auspicious.
Nine in the third place: The wild geese gradually advance to the land. The husband goes on an expedition but does not return. The wife is pregnant but does not give birth. Inauspicious. It is advantageous to guard against robbers.
Six in the fourth place: The wild geese gradually advance to the tree. Perhaps they find a suitable perch. No blame.
Nine in the fifth place: The wild geese gradually advance to the mound. The wife does not conceive for three years, but in the end, no one can overcome her. Auspicious.
Top nine: The wild geese gradually advance into the clouds. Their feathers can be used for ritual display. Auspicious.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In career, one must progress gradually and build a solid foundation. 'An auspicious marrying maiden who benefits from rectitude' suggests that following the right path brings good fortune. Initial six: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the bank,' in the initial stage, 'a young man is in danger, there are criticisms,' though there may be risks and gossip, 'there will be no blame' as long as one advances steadily. Six in the second place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the large rock,' reaching a stable foundation, 'they eat and drink joyfully, auspicious,' content and settled, 'not eating without working' fulfilling one's duties. Nine in the third place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the land,' but 'the husband goes on an expedition but does not return, the wife is pregnant but does not give birth, inauspicious,' straying too far from the group can be ominous, 'it is advantageous to guard against robbers' by staying on the defensive. Six in the fourth place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the tree,' finding 'a suitable perch, no blame,' finding an appropriate position, 'compliant and gentle.' Nine in the fifth place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the mound,' 'the wife does not conceive for three years, but in the end, no one can overcome her, auspicious,' though there is waiting, the desired outcome is eventually achieved. Top nine: 'Their feathers can be used for ritual display, auspicious,' reaching a high mountain, 'not to be chaotic' maintaining lofty purity. Remember: progress gradually, uphold the right path, and accumulate steadily.
❤️ Relationships
In relationships, one must progress gradually and follow proper rituals. 'An auspicious marrying maiden' suggests that following proper rituals, like an auspicious maiden marrying, brings good fortune. Initial six: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the bank,' in the initial stage, 'a young man is in danger, there are criticisms,' though there may be discussions, 'there will be no blame' and the relationship develops steadily. Six in the second place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the large rock, eating and drinking joyfully, auspicious,' indicating a stable and pleasant relationship. Nine in the third place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the land,' withdrawing from the group, 'the husband goes on an expedition but does not return, the wife is pregnant but does not give birth, inauspicious,' prolonged separation can sour the relationship, one must 'guard against robbers' by adhering to rectitude. Six in the fourth place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the tree, perhaps finding a suitable perch, no blame,' finding an appropriate way to interact. Nine in the fifth place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the mound, the wife does not conceive for three years, but in the end, no one can overcome her, auspicious,' though there is waiting, completeness is eventually achieved, 'one's wishes are granted.' Top nine: 'Their feathers can be used for ritual display, auspicious,' indicating a relationship of lofty purity, 'not to be chaotic.' Remember: relationships must progress gradually, without impatience, one must 'marry auspiciously' by following the right path, and develop steadily.
🎯 Decision Making
Decisions must be made gradually, step by step. 'Gradual progress is advancement' is key. One must 'advance to the right position and achieve功績 (meritorious deeds),' orderly advancement leads to accomplishments; one must 'advance with rectitude to rectify the state,' upholding the right path can correct societal trends; one must 'stop and be gentle, moving without exhaustion,' being steady and compliant will not lead to destitution. Initial six: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the bank,' the start must be steady, 'its meaning is blameless.' Six in the second place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the large rock,' the stable stage is best, 'not eating without working' fulfilling duties. Nine in the third place: 'The wild geese gradually advance to the land,' one must be cautious, not 'isolated and ugly,' and must 'guard against robbers' by upholding rectitude. Six in the fourth place: 'Perhaps they find a suitable perch,' finding an appropriate position, 'compliant and gentle.' Nine in the fifth place: 'In the end, no one can overcome her, auspicious,' 'one's wishes are granted,' goals are achieved. Top nine: 'Their feathers can be used for ritual display,' 'not to be chaotic' maintaining order. The key is 'cultivating virtuous character and improving customs,' accumulating virtue and improving traditions, all of which require gradual progress.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest warning of Hexagram Jian is impetuous haste. Nine in the third place: 'The husband goes on an expedition but does not return, the wife is pregnant but does not give birth, inauspicious' is the most dangerous; straying too far eventually leads to misfortune, 'losing the correct path.' Be wary of: not progressing gradually and rushing for success, not upholding the right path and taking shortcuts, becoming isolated and losing support, and failing to accumulate steadily. Remember: Jian means 'wild geese advancing' gradually, 'an auspicious marrying maiden who benefits from rectitude' following the right path, 'stopping and being gentle' being steady and compliant, 'cultivating virtuous character and improving customs' accumulating virtue and improving traditions, and 'moving without exhaustion' advancing steadily without facing destitution. True success is like 'wood on a mountain,' where trees grow gradually, requiring time and patience. Top nine: 'Their feathers can be used for ritual display, auspicious, not to be chaotic' is the highest state, maintaining lofty purity and order. Hasty pursuit of quick gains inevitably leads to failure, while gradual progress definitely leads to success.
Applicable Scenarios
The Gradual Progress hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Confucius's travels among the states exemplify the Jian hexagram. Confucius promoted benevolent governance, 'advancing like wild geese' gradually. In the early stage, 'the wild geese gradually advance to the bank,' starting in Lu, 'a young man is in danger, there are criticisms,' though there was criticism, he progressed steadily. Later, 'the wild geese gradually advance to the large rock,' 'eating and drinking joyfully' lecturing in various states, 'not eating without working' not benefiting without effort. Sometimes, 'the wild geese gradually advance to the land,' living in isolation, 'the husband goes on an expedition but does not return,' though in distress, 'it is advantageous to guard against robbers' by adhering to rectitude. He 'advanced to the tree' seeking a suitable position, 'perhaps finding a suitable perch' finding a place to settle. Though 'the wife does not conceive for three years,' his ideal was temporarily unfulfilled, but 'in the end, no one can overcome her, auspicious,' as his disciples eventually carried on his legacy. Finally, 'advancing to the land, their feathers can be used for ritual display, auspicious,' reaching the realm of high mountains, his thought 'not to be chaotic' became a model. This is the wisdom of the Jian hexagram: 'an auspicious marrying maiden who benefits from rectitude' following the right path, 'cultivating virtuous character and improving customs' accumulating virtue and improving traditions, 'stopping and being gentle, moving without exhaustion' advancing steadily. Gradual progress eventually leads to great achievements.
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 Gradual Progress 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: