坤 → 小過
Hexagram 2: The Receptive → Hexagram 62: Small Exceeding
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 2 changing lines (lines 1, 6).
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 6
上六 龍戰于野。其血玄黃。
Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
初憂後喜，與福為市。八佾列陳，飲御嘉友。
First worry, then joy; trading sorrow for blessings. Eight rows of dancers arranged; feasting and entertaining dear friends.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Earth upon earth transforms into thunder above mountain — Small Exceeding. Beginning in worry, ending in joy — one exchanges trouble for blessing. Eight rows of dancers line up in formation; one drinks with honored friends. Thunder atop the mountain, the image of Xiao Guo, is the small exceeding the great — the modest overstepping just slightly, as excessive humility in mourning or frugality in daily life. The eight-row dance (bayi) was the highest ritual privilege, reserved for the Son of Heaven. The verse traces an arc from anxiety to celebration, culminating in grand ceremony and companionship. From the Receptive to Small Exceeding, the earth's humility discovers that going slightly beyond — one degree past restraint — opens the door to joy. The key word is 'small': the excess that brings blessing is a gentle overflow, not a flood.
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