I Ching

Hexagram 62 — The Prevalence of the Small Xiao Guo

Hexagram 62, The Prevalence of the Small — the six lines

Classical meaning

Success. It is favorable to righteousness. Suitable for small matters; not suitable for great ones. The bird ceases its song: it is not appropriate to rise, it is appropriate to remain below. Great fortune.

小過。亨。利貞。可小事不可大事。飛鳥遺之音。不宜上宜下。大吉。

Image: Thunder over the mountain: the image of the predominance of the small. The superior man excels in reverence, mourning, and frugality.

Values detail, caution, and the power of small actions.

The six lines

Line 1. The Prevalence of the Small – The bird flies: ominous. Remain low and discreet. This is not the time for lofty flights.
Line 2. The Prevalence of the Small – Passes by the ancestor and meets the grandmother; does not reach the lord, meets the minister. No fault. Seek intermediate supports and remain humble. The indirect path is the safest now.
Line 3. The Prevalence of the Small – If one does not exceed to protect oneself, those who follow may be harmed. Ominous. Be “excessively” cautious. Heighten vigilance and take precautions before taking action.
Line 4. The Prevalence of the Small – Without guilt. Without excess, the matter is found; to proceed further is dangerous, caution is necessary. Do not persist for too long. Act with restraint and temporarily. Avoid prolonging; withdraw at the appropriate moment.
Line 5. The Prevalence of the Small – Dense clouds without rain, coming from our west. The duke strikes the prey in its lair. Do not expect great overall results. Aim small and with precision: accurate action yields gain.
Line 6. The Prevalence of the Small – It does not find it and surpasses it; the bird flies away. Ominous. This is called calamity. Avoid exceeding the limit. If the opportunity slips away, do not force it: retreating prevents greater harm.
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