Yijing CompassI Ching reading
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Hexagram 25 · King Wen sequence

Uncontrived Action

無妄 · wú wàng

Modern reflection

Act without contrivance; let integrity lead before calculation.

Lower trigram: 震 Thunder
Upper trigram: 乾 Heaven

Historical source

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

The thunder rolls all under the sky, and to (every)thing there is given (its nature), free from all insincerity. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, (made their regulations) in complete accordance with the seasons, thereby nourishing all things.

James Legge, 1882, public domain. Historical wording is shown for source transparency, not as a guaranteed prediction.

Changing-line passages

  1. Line 1The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject free from all insincerity. His advance will be accompanied with good fortune.
  2. Line 2The second SIX, divided, shows one who reaps without having ploughed (that he might reap), and gathers the produce of his third year's fields without having cultivated them the first year for that end. To such a one there will be advantage in whatever direction he may move.
  3. Line 3The third SIX, divided, shows calamity happening to one who is free from insincerity;--as in the case of an ox that has been tied up. A passer by finds it (and carries it off), while the people in the neighbourhood have the calamity (of being accused and apprehended).
  4. Line 4The fourth NINE, undivided, shows (a case) in which, if its subject can remain firm and correct, there will be no error.
  5. Line 5The fifth NINE, undivided, shows one who is free from insincerity, and yet has fallen ill. Let him not use medicine, and he will have occasion for joy (in his recovery).
  6. Line 6The topmost NINE, undivided, shows its subject free from insincerity, yet sure to fall into error, if he take action. (His action) will not be advantageous in any way.

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