28 · Great Exceeding (DÀ GUÒ)
Great Exceeding describes a load greater than an ordinary structure can bear. When the roof beam bends, pretending that all is normal will not help. See where support is weak, then act with care equal to the moment.
The judgment
Great Exceeding: the roof beam bends. It is favourable to have somewhere to go; there is passage.
A bending beam signals an imbalance in what is carrying the load. The answer is to acknowledge the strain and move toward a workable remedy.
Original Chinese text
大過：棟橈，利有攸往，亨。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Use white grass as a mat: no blame.
Original Chinese
藉用白茅，无咎。
- 九二 · Line 2 — A withered willow puts forth young shoots; an old man gains a young wife. Nothing is unfavourable.
Original Chinese
枯楊生稊，老夫得其女妻，无不利。
- 九三 · Line 3 — The roof beam bends: ominous.
Original Chinese
棟橈，凶。
- 九四 · Line 4 — The roof beam rises: good fortune. If there is another concern, regret.
Original Chinese
棟隆，吉。有它吝。
- 九五 · Line 5 — A withered willow blossoms; an old woman gains a young husband. No blame, no praise.
Original Chinese
枯楊生華，老婦得其士夫，无咎无譽。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Cross too far and the water covers the head: ominous, yet without blame.
Original Chinese
過涉滅頂，凶，无咎。