Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 5

The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Inner Integrity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind above the Lake: four moving lines leave the vessel as a breeze stirring still water. What matters lies in the resting lines of 61 Inner Integrity, the resulting hexagram. The second says the honesty you carry inside will attract like-minded people ready to be generous toward you. The top line warns that inner strength resting only on words won't give you the power to rally people toward your goals. So the change you're cooking depends on substance, not talk. Let your actions show what you believe. People who share your values tend to come close when they see it, and they'll help. Keep promises few and real. Speak less about the change and live it more. What's inside the vessel matters far more now than how the vessel is described.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 2 of 61 Inner Integrity, which stays still

    Your inner integrity will draw kindred people who are willing to be generous with you.

    A crane cries in the shade; its chick answers. I have a fine cup: you and I will drain it together.

  2. Line 6 of 61 Inner Integrity, which stays still

    If your inner strength rests only on words, you won't have the power to rally people that you need to reach your goals.

    A bird's cry climbs to heaven. Even with constancy, misfortune.

  3. The judgment of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

    It's a time of change and adjustment, and it will happen naturally, without great upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame lit: it's the enthusiasm that gives you the strength to keep going. And be clear about the resources you have, the way a cook chooses the ingredients. The change will come about little by little.

    Great good fortune. Success.

  4. Line 1 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

    The change will happen under conditions that aren't ideal, but it will come to a good end.

    The cauldron upended, feet in the air. It is favorable to tip out what has gone stale. A concubine is taken for the sake of her son. No fault.

  5. Line 3 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

    For now you're in a place where your talents and qualities aren't recognized. There's nothing to worry about: if you stay true to yourself and act with integrity, success will come in the end.

    The ears of the cauldron are altered; its going is blocked. The pheasant fat is not eaten. When the rain comes, regret wanes. In the end, good fortune.

  6. Line 4 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

    If you stray from your purpose and get involved with the wrong people, you won't succeed.

    The cauldron breaks a leg and spills the prince's stew. Its form is drenched. Misfortune.

  7. Line 5 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

    Your qualities will carry you to success without your having to prove anything. Naturally, everything will go your way.

    The cauldron with yellow ears and a bar of gold. Constancy is favorable.

  8. The judgment of 61 Inner Integrity

    When you're whole within, it shows on the outside, and you'll be able to do great things and to let your truth move others toward great undertakings.

    Piglets and fish: good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Wind Lake
Above Fire Wind

The way back

61 Inner Integrity → 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
lines 1, 3, 4, and 5

Other transformations of The Vessel of Nourishment

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

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