Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 谦 (Qiān) |
| English Name | Modesty / Humility |
| Trigrams | Earth over Mountain (坤上艮下) |
| Number | 15 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Within the earth, a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much, and augments that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | A superior man modest about his modesty may cross the great water. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六二 | 2nd | Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九三 | 3rd | A superior man of modesty and merit carries things to conclusion. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六四 | 4th | Nothing that would not further modesty in movement. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六五 | 5th | No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is favorable to attack with force. Nothing that would not further. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 上六 | Top | Modesty that comes to expression. It is favorable to set armies marching to chastise one's own city and one's country. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Mountain hidden within earth; the only hexagram where all six lines are favorable
- Upper trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing) over lower trigram Mountain (still and grounding)
- Embodies the qualities of humility, modesty, balance and virtue, equanimity, service
Keywords
HumilityModestyBalanceVirtueEquanimityService
Divination & Prediction
★★★★★Supremely Auspicious — All Lines Favorable
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Mountain hidden within earth; the only hexagram where all six lines are favorable Channel the energy of humility and modesty for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on balance to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels humility and modesty. The Earth trigram above suggests receptive and nurturing energy in your outer dealings, while the Mountain trigram below points to still and grounding foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on stomach and digestion and hands and back. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody humility and modesty. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes balance and virtue. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate humility in all your actions
- Practice modesty consistently
- Embrace balance as your guiding principle
- Develop virtue through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of equanimity
- Abandon service under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 36. Míng Yí (明夷) | Darkening of Light — concealing brightness |
| 46. Shēng (升) | Pushing Upward — humble ascent brings success |
| 2. Kūn (坤) | The Receptive — earth that conceals the mountain |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “I'm more qualified than my boss. Should I make that known?”
You received Hexagram 15, Modesty. The judgment says: 'Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through....' Mountain hidden within earth; the only hexagram where all six lines are favorable This is a favorable sign. The energy of humility supports your intention. Move forward with balance, but remain mindful of proper timing.