35 · Progress (JÌN)
Progress is light rising above the earth: good work becomes visible. Recognition matters, but the lines ask how to stay upright through rejection, win trust, release anxiety over gain and loss, and exercise restraint at the top.
The judgment
Progress: a worthy lord is granted many horses and received three times in one day.
The repeated audience and generous horses picture unusually clear recognition. It is an image of opportunity when ability meets trust, not a promise of reward to every seeker.
Original Chinese text
晉：康侯用錫馬蕃庶，晝日三接。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Advancing, then pushed back. Steadfastness is auspicious. Though trust is not yet given, generosity leaves no blame.
Original Chinese
晉如，摧如，貞吉。罔孚，裕无咎。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Advancing with worry; steadfastness is auspicious. Receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother.
Original Chinese
晉如，愁如，貞吉。受茲介福，于其王母。
- 六三 · Line 3 — The many give their assent; regret disappears.
Original Chinese
眾允，悔亡。
- 九四 · Line 4 — Advancing like a shishu mouse; even persistence is perilous.
Original Chinese
晉如鼫鼠，貞厲。
- 六五 · Line 5 — Regret disappears. Do not fret over loss and gain. Going forward is auspicious; nothing is unfavourable.
Original Chinese
悔亡，失得勿恤，往吉无不利。
- 上九 · Line 6 — Advancement reaches its horns. Use it only to bring an own town to order; danger may end well and without blame, yet continued rigidity brings shame.
Original Chinese
晉其角，維用伐邑，厲吉无咎，貞吝。