36. Ming I; Darkening of the Light Above; K'un the Receptive earth Below; Li the Clinging fire |
21st Century | Comparisons |
| Such be the best laid plans of mice and
men. A price is to be paid. But your resolve will lighten the burden.
Light and dark will tangle. The moment is observed as retreat of the light.
Selflessness will distinguish the superior from the inferior.
In holding to your faith, in persevering, and expressing those things which add to your improvement you will come face to face with the cause of your present discomfort. You will identify an old method, the vestiges of the old ways. But too hasty a repair and adjustment will throw those interlocking elements which have come to depend on the present arrangements out of kilter. As Sun Tzu points out it is best to not appear as you are but rather as you want to appear. Especially when beset by adversity. But the withdrawal of light, of radiance of even grace is a passing thing. It will reach a nadir and then the light will advance again.
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Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, flying, but with drooping wings. When the superior man (is revolving) his going away, he may be for three days without eating. Wherever he goes, the people there may speak (derisively of him).
b) Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man does not want for three days On his wanderings. But he has somewhere to go. The host has occasion to gossip about him.
c) The man flies but his wings droop. If the superior man continually leaves home he may go three days without eating. Wherever he goes, people scorn him.
d) Hurt? Droop thy wings and fast, while critics leaguer.
a) (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, wounded in the left thigh. He saves himself by the strength of a (swift) horse; and is fortunate.
b) Darkening of the light injures him the left thigh. He gives aid with the strength of a horse. Good fortune.
c) The man is wounded in the left thigh. He saves himself on a swift horse. Auspicious.
d) A horse may save one wounded in the thigh.
a) (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, hunting in the south, and taking the great chief (of the darkness). He should be eager to make (all) correct (at once).
b) Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon.
c) Hunting on friendly ground at night, he shoots the lord of the dark regions. Do not try to rectify everything all at once.
d) Thy great foe taken, be not over-eager;
a) (just() entered into the left side of the belly (of the dark land). (but) he is able to carryu out the mind appropriate (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, quitting the gate of the courtyard (of the lord of darkness).
b) He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light, and leaves gate and courtyard.
c) He enters the belly of the dark regions through the left side; his brightness is dimmed and he slips quietly out at the gate.
d) Escape from night by mind's propriety.
a) how the count of KΠfulfilled the condition indicated by Ming I. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
b) Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance furthers.
c) The dark times of Prince Chi. Keep to your course.
d) Think of how the Count of Ki met destiny.
a) the case where there is no light, but (only) obscurity. (Its subject) had at first ascended to (the top of) the sky; his future shall be to go into the earth.
b) Not light but darkness. First he climbed up to heaven, Then he plunged into the depths of the earth.
c) Neither dark nor light, only obscurity. He ascends above the roof of heaven; he will descend below the crust of the earth.
d) At last Earth swallows him that trod the sky.