27 · Nourishment (YÍ)
Nourishment asks what we take in, what we say, how we sustain ourselves, and how we care for others. The central question is whether the nourishment is right, not whether it merely satisfies an appetite.
The judgment
Nourishment: steadfastness brings good fortune. Observe nourishment; seek food for one's own mouth.
Look at what you are feeding in yourself—body, character, or appetite—and examine how you obtain what sustains it.
Original Chinese text
頤：貞吉。觀頤，自求口實。
The six lines
- 初九 · Line 1 — You set aside your spirit turtle and watch my jaws move: ominous.
Original Chinese
舍爾靈龜，觀我朵頤，凶。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Nourishment turned upside down, departing from the regular way; seeking nourishment on the hill. Going forward is ominous.
Original Chinese
顛頤，拂經，于丘頤，征凶。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Turn against nourishment. Continuing this way is ominous; for ten years do not employ it. Nothing is favourable.
Original Chinese
拂頤，貞凶，十年勿用，無攸利。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Nourishment turned about brings good fortune. Watch like a tiger; seek earnestly, and there is no blame.
Original Chinese
顛頤吉，虎視眈眈，其欲逐逐，無咎。
- 六五 · Line 5 — Depart from the regular way. Remain steadfast where you are: good fortune. Do not cross the great river.
Original Chinese
拂經，居貞吉，不可涉大川。
- 上九 · Line 6 — Nourishment comes through this one. Though dangerous, it is fortunate; favourable to cross the great river.
Original Chinese
由頤，厲吉，利涉大川。