__  __
__  __
__  __
______
______
______ Hexagram Eleven:  
       T'ai / Peace


Heaven and Earth embrace,
giving birth to Peace.
The Superior Person 
serves as midwife,
presenting the newborn gift 
to the people.

The small depart; 
the great approach.
Success.
Good fortune.


Hexagram Eleven/Line One:
When the grass is pulled up
the earth in which it is firmly rooted
comes up with it.
You share your new wealth
with loved ones, 
creating a conduit 
for even greater fortune.


Hexagram Eleven/Line Two:
Despite his success, 
he is gentle to those who impose,
he fords the icy stream between him and another,
he does not forget his duties to those distant,
he does not abandon his companions;
he truly walks the Golden Mean.


Hexagram Eleven/Line Three:
Every plain leads to a slope.
All going leads to a return.  
He who keeps his inner faith
in the midst of oppression
will persevere.
Do not rail against what must be;
savor fully what remains.


Hexagram Eleven/Line Four:
Instead of stretching to grasp
the wealth that may rise out of reach,
he stoops to help his companions
climb to his level.
They expect his resentment
but receive only his faith and love;
they no longer fear his power.


Hexagram Eleven/Line Five:
The emperor gives his blessing
to his daughter's marriage to a commoner.
All ranks of life benefit from this.


Hexagram Eleven/Line Six:
The wall crumbles into the moat.
Such overfortification and defensiveness
will cause you more loss 
than if you had remained totally exposed
and had opened your arms to fate.

Copyright 1995-1996 Roger Norton Consulting. All rights reserved.