臨 → 蒙

Commentary

Earth above the lake approaches the mountain spring of youthful learning. White cogon grass cushions the libation of sweet wine as a spirit-medium bows in prayer. The gods savor the offerings; they grant the lord long life and health. The scene is a spring sacrifice performed with meticulous care — cogon grass for purity, sweet wine for sincerity. The I-Ching itself praises white cogon as a symbol of reverent caution (Hexagram 28, line one). From Approach to Youthful Folly, the elder's oversight becomes the pupil's instruction: just as the medium teaches proper devotion to the spirits, the mountain spring below receives guidance from above. Blessing flows when ritual is performed with genuine humility rather than empty formality.