Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 临 (Lín) |
| English Name | Approach / Drawing Near |
| Trigrams | Earth over Lake (坤上兑下) |
| Number | 19 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
The earth above the lake: the image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without limits in his tolerance and protection of the people.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九二 | 2nd | Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六三 | 3rd | Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve about it, one becomes free of blame. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六四 | 4th | Complete approach. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六五 | 5th | Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上六 | Top | Great-hearted approach. Good fortune. No blame. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Yang energy advancing; approach with magnanimity and teaching spirit
- Upper trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing) over lower trigram Lake (joyous and open)
- Embodies the qualities of approach, teaching, generosity and growth, expansion, benevolence
Keywords
ApproachTeachingGenerosityGrowthExpansionBenevolence
Divination & Prediction
★★★★★Supremely Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Yang energy advancing; approach with magnanimity and teaching spirit Channel the energy of approach and teaching for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on generosity to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels approach and teaching. The Earth trigram above suggests receptive and nurturing energy in your outer dealings, while the Lake trigram below points to joyous and open foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on stomach and digestion and mouth and respiratory. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody approach and teaching. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes generosity and growth. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate approach in all your actions
- Practice teaching consistently
- Embrace generosity as your guiding principle
- Develop growth through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of expansion
- Abandon benevolence under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 20. Guān (观) | Contemplation — looking from above vs approaching |
| 11. Tài (泰) | Peace — peak of yang advancement |
| 24. Fù (复) | Return — yang beginning to approach again |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “I've been offered a leadership role mentoring junior staff. Should I take it?”
You received Hexagram 19, Approach. The judgment says: 'Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes...' Yang energy advancing; approach with magnanimity and teaching spirit This is a favorable sign. The energy of approach supports your intention. Move forward with generosity, but remain mindful of proper timing.