18 · Repairing Decay (GǓ)
Repairing Decay faces problems compounded over time. It does not evade old damage; it finds the root, prepares before and after, and repairs patiently.
The judgment
Repairing Decay: great success. Favourable to cross the great river. Three days before the beginning, three days after the beginning.
Repairing entrenched damage needs decisive work and time before and after it for observation, preparation, and review.
Original Chinese text
蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，后甲三日。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Repair the father's decay. There is a capable child; the father has no blame. Danger, but in the end good fortune.
Original Chinese
干父之蠱，有子，考無咎，厲，終吉。
- 九二 · Line 2 — Repair the mother's decay. One cannot be rigidly steadfast.
Original Chinese
干母之蠱，不可貞。
- 九三 · Line 3 — Repair the father's decay. There is small regret, but no great blame.
Original Chinese
干父之蠱，小有悔，無大咎。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Indulge the father's decay; going forward brings regret.
Original Chinese
裕父之蠱，往見吝。
- 六五 · Line 5 — Repair the father's decay; use praise.
Original Chinese
干父之蠱，用譽。
- 上九 · Line 6 — Do not serve kings and lords; make one's work lofty.
Original Chinese
不事王侯，高尚其事。