Hexagram 15 · Qiān (谦) · Humility
- Upper trigram
- 坤 Earth
- Lower trigram
- 艮 Mountain
A mountain hidden beneath the earth: real substance without display. Humility here is not self-doubt but a sense of proportion and respect for others. Approaching people this way tends to earn support and smooth the path. Traditionally, this is one of the most favorable hexagrams in the I Ching.
Editorial summaryJudgment
謙：亨，君子有終。
Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).
Line 1
初六：謙謙君子，用涉大川，吉。
The first line, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.
Line 2
六二：鳴謙，貞吉。
The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Line 3
九三：勞謙君子，有終吉。
The third line, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.
Line 4
六四：无不利，撝謙。
The fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.
Line 5
六五：不富，以其鄰，利用侵伐，无不利。
The fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.
Line 6
上六：鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。
The sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.
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