# Hexagram 15 · Qiān (谦) · Humility

> **GuaCard #15 (Flow)**: Quiet strength opens every door. / 安静的力量，能打开每一扇门。

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 summary_

## Judgment

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.

## Sources

- [周易 · 中文原文（Ruism Digital Library）](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/15#15.1)
- [James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East, XVI](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/15#15.1)