坤 → 明夷
Hexagram 2: The Receptive → Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 2 changing lines (lines 1, 3).
Line 1
初六 履霜堅冰至。
Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off.
Line 3
六三 含章可貞。或從王事。无成有終。
Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
訾陬開門，鶴鳴彈冠。章甫進用，舞韶和鸞。三人翼事，國無災患。
In the month Zizou, the gate opens; a crane calls, caps are dusted off. The zhangfu cap is put to use; dancing the Shao, harmonizing with the luan. Three men assist the endeavor; the state has no plague or peril.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Earth upon earth transforms into earth above fire — Darkening of the Light. In the month of Zizou, the gate opens: cranes cry and caps are straightened. The ceremonial cap (zhangfu) is brought into service; the Shao music plays and luan bells harmonize. Three men join to manage affairs, and the state knows no disaster. The crane crying in the marshes, from the Shijing ode 'He Ming,' represents hidden talent making itself known. The zhangfu cap signifies proper Confucian ceremony restored to its rightful place. Fire buried beneath the earth, the image of Ming Yi, is light concealed — yet here, paradoxically, the concealed light emerges through music and ceremony. From the Receptive to Darkening of the Light, wise men operate within darkness by preserving the forms of civilization. The light is not extinguished but sheltered.
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