I Ching

Hexagram 28 — The Excess of the Great Da Guo

Hexagram 28, The Excess of the Great — the six lines

Classical meaning

The beam yields. It is favorable to have a place to go. Success.

大過。棟橈。利有攸往。亨。

Image: The wood submerged in water: the image of the excess of the great. The noble one walks alone and remains without fear.

Indicates an overload, something beyond what is bearable. The imbalance demands decisive action.

The six lines

Line 1. Leaning on white reed mats. Without guilt. In initial fragility, seek simple and reliable support. Humility bears the weight of excess.
Line 2. The dry willow puts forth shoots. The elderly man takes a young wife. Nothing unfavorable. Embrace unexpected renewals. Vitality may arise amid wear, bringing harmony if balance is maintained.
Line 3. The beam bends. Ruin. Beware of overload beyond your strength. Recognize limits before the structure that supports everything collapses.
Line 4. The beam rises. Success. But it may cause minor losses. With effort, it is possible to endure great pressures. However, avoid relying solely on endurance: distribute the weight to prevent hidden cracks from forming.
Line 5. The withered willow blooms. The elderly woman takes a young husband. No blame, no praise. Accept late transformations without seeking applause. The value lies in the restored balance, not in the prestige attained.
Line 6. Advance beyond the river, until submerged. Danger, ruin. Yet there is no fault. Do not exceed the utmost limit of effort. When the burden surpasses all strength, know when to retreat. Even a fall can teach, if there is no attachment to blame.
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