Reading
Judgment
Modesty creates success.
The noble one brings to completion.
The law of heaven makes the full empty and fills the modest: when the sun stands highest, by heavenly law it must approach its setting; and when it is deepest under the earth, it moves toward a new rising. When the moon is full, by the same law it wanes, and when it is empty, it waxes again. This heavenly law works itself out also in the destinies of human beings. The law of earth is to alter the full and to flow toward the modest: the high mountains are worn down by the waters, and the valleys are filled in. The law of the powers of fate is to harm the full and to bestow happiness on the modest. And people too hate the full and love the modest.
Fates follow fixed laws that work themselves out by necessity. But it lies in the human being's hand to shape their destiny, according as they expose themself by their conduct to the influence of the blessing or destroying forces. If a human being stands high and shows themself modest, they shine in the light of wisdom. If they are lowly and show themself modest, they cannot be passed over. Thus the noble one succeeds in carrying their work to completion without boasting of what is done.
Image
Within the earth is a mountain: the image of Modesty.
Thus the noble one reduces what is too much
and increases what is too little.
They weigh things and make them equal.
In the earth in which a mountain is hidden, one does not see its wealth, for the height of the mountain serves to balance out the depressions. Thus high and low complement each other, and the result is the plain. Here is the image of Modesty: that what required long working appears as self-evident and easy. Thus the noble one proceeds when establishing order on earth. They level out the social oppositions, which are the source of discord, and thereby create just and even conditions.
Commentary
This hexagram is composed of Ken, Keeping Still, the mountain, and K'un. The mountain is the youngest son of the Creative, the representative of heaven on earth. It dispenses the blessings of heaven, clouds and rain, that gather round its summit, toward those below, and glows thereafter transfigured in heavenly light. This shows modesty and its effect in high and strong people. Above stands K'un, earth. The attribute of earth is lowliness; but for that very reason it is represented in this hexagram as raised up, being above the mountain. This shows the effect of modesty in lowly, simple people: they are thereby exalted.
Changing Lines
Line 1
A six at the beginning means:
A modestly modest noble one
may cross the great water. Good fortune!
Commentary
A dangerous undertaking, like crossing a great water, is greatly hampered if many claims and considerations come into play. On the other hand it becomes easy if it is settled quickly and simply. Therefore the wholly unpretentious frame of mind of Modesty is suited to carrying out even difficult undertakings, because it puts no demands and preconditions but deals with the matter lightly and nimbly; for where no claims are raised, no resistances rise up.
Line 2
A six in the second place means:
Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Commentary
As one's heart is full, so one's mouth overflows. If someone is so modest inwardly that this disposition shows itself in their outer conduct, it brings them good fortune: for in this way they have of themselves the possibility of persevering effect, which is ousted by no one.
Line 3
A nine in the third place means:
A meritorious and modest noble one brings to completion.
Good fortune!
Commentary
Here is the center of the hexagram, where its secret is spoken out. Through great accomplishments one soon acquires a significant name. If one lets oneself be blinded by renown, criticism will very soon set in, and difficulties will arise. If, however, one remains modest despite one's merits, one makes oneself well liked and wins the helpers who are necessary to carry to completion the work one has undertaken.
Line 4
A six in the fourth place means:
Nothing that would not further
modesty in movement.
Commentary
Everything has its measure. Even modesty in conduct can be overdone. Here it is in place, since the situation between a meritorious assistant below and a kind ruler above brings very great responsibility with it. The trust of the one above must not be abused; the merits of the one below must not be concealed. There are, to be sure, officials who do not stand forth. They cover themselves with the letter of the regulations; they decline all responsibility; they take payment without accomplishing anything corresponding; they bear titles to which no reality gives significance. The modesty here mentioned is the opposite. Modesty in such a position shows itself precisely in being engaged with interest in the work.
Line 5
A six in the fifth place means:
Do not rely on wealth before one's neighbor.
It is favorable to attack with force.
Nothing that would not further.
Commentary
Modesty is different from weak good-naturedness that lets everything slide. When one stands at a post of responsibility, one must under certain circumstances take energetic action. But for this it is necessary that one not try to act by personally insisting on one's superiority; rather, one must be certain of one's surroundings. The action must be purely objective and must contain nothing personally wounding. Thus Modesty shows itself even in severity.
Line 6
A six at the top means:
Modesty that comes to expression.
It is favorable to set armies marching
to chastise one's own city and one's own country.
Commentary
Whoever is truly serious about their modesty must take care that it show itself in reality. They must proceed with great energy. When hostility arises, nothing is easier than to look for the fault in the other. A weak person perhaps withdraws into themself, offended, has self-pity, and takes it for modesty that they do not defend themself. Real modesty shows itself in setting forcefully about creating order, and beginning the chastisement with one's own ego and the closest circle. Only thus is something truly forceful accomplished, in that one has the courage to let one's armies march against oneself.