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______ Hexagram Thirty-Four:  
       Ta Chuang / Awesome Power

Thunder fills the Heavens
with its awful roar,
not out of pride, 
but with integrity;
if it did less,
it would not be Thunder:
Because of his Great Power,
the Superior Person takes pains
not to overstep his position, 
so that he will not seem
intimidating or threatening
to the Established Order.

Opportunity will arise
along this course.


Hexagram Thirty-Four/Line One:
He uses all 
his remaining strength
to stamp his hoof
and paw the ground.
If his bluff is called,
it will bring misfortune.


Hexagram Thirty-Four/Line Two:
Good fortune ahead
if you stay on course.


Hexagram Thirty-Four/Line Three:
The inferior person
throws all his energy
toward his goal.
The Superior Person
makes conserving energy
his goal.
The ram butts into a hedge,
entangling his horns.


Hexagram Thirty-Four/Line Four:
Entanglements loosen,
and a way opens 
through the wall
that has blocked you.
The opening is narrow
and must be navigated
with the greatest caution,
or you will be stopped
dead in your tracks again.


Hexagram Thirty-Four/Line Five:
There are no threats
left before you.
You may set your ram free
without regret.


Hexagram Thirty-Four/Line Six:
If the ram butts into the hedge,
the entangling thorns will prevent
both advance and retreat.
It is best
to recognize this danger
and avoid it.

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