Hexagram 15, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the culmination and external expression of modesty. The individual's humility is no longer a quiet, internal virtue; it has become so well-known and respected that it "sounds" or "cries out" (鳴謙). It is recognized by all. However, this is not a time for passive self-satisfaction. The commentary notes that "the inner will has not yet been realized," which means the ultimate goal of bringing about perfect order and harmony has not been achieved. Therefore, this recognized modesty bestows a unique form of moral authority. It grants the right—and the duty—to take strong, decisive action. The "armies" mentioned are not for external conquest but for internal correction. The target is one's "own city and country," a metaphor for one's own sphere of influence, be it one's community, company, family, or even one's own character. Because the action is undertaken from a position of proven humility and not for personal gain, it is seen as just and necessary. This line teaches that true modesty is not weakness; at its peak, it becomes a powerful force for righteous correction and the restoration of order.

Guidance for Action

Your reputation for fairness and humility has earned you significant trust and moral authority. Now is the time to use it. Do not remain passive when you see disorder or wrongdoing within your own domain. You are called to take firm, decisive action to correct what has gone astray. This is not about aggression or self-promotion; it is about putting your own house in order. Address the issue directly, whether it's a breakdown in standards on your team, a bad habit in your personal life, or an unhealthy dynamic in your family. Your motives must be pure—focused on restoring balance and principle for the good of the whole. Because others know you act without ego, your corrective measures will be understood and accepted. Be the leader who has the strength to discipline their own ranks.

For Love & Relationships

In your relationship, a point has been reached where a difficult issue must be addressed for the health of the partnership. Your history of being a fair, humble, and non-confrontational partner now gives you the standing to bring up a sensitive topic without it being perceived as an attack. This line calls you to "correct your own city and country," meaning you must work to fix imbalances within the relationship itself. This could involve setting clear boundaries, addressing a partner's problematic behavior, or correcting your own contributions to a negative dynamic. The action must be taken with the clear intention of restoring harmony, not winning a fight. Your partner is more likely to be receptive because they trust your motives are rooted in love and a desire for mutual well-being, not in ego or control.

For Career & Business

You have established yourself as a modest, reliable, and principled professional. This reputation is now your greatest asset. A situation has developed within your team, department, or company that requires firm, corrective action—perhaps a decline in work quality, a toxic team culture, or a project that has gone off the rails. You are the one who must step in. "Setting armies in motion" means implementing necessary changes, enforcing rules, or restructuring responsibilities. Since this is about "correcting one's own city," the focus is internal, on improving your immediate sphere of influence. Your colleagues and superiors will support your actions because they know you are not driven by personal ambition but by a genuine desire to restore order and effectiveness for the benefit of the organization. This is a moment to lead through righteous discipline.

For Financial Matters

This line indicates that it is time for a serious and disciplined review of your financial affairs. Your generally prudent and modest approach has served you well, but now you must actively "chastise" any waste, indiscipline, or poor financial habits. It's time to put your own financial house in order with decisive action. This means creating and enforcing a strict budget, cutting out frivolous spending, paying down debt with renewed vigor, or rebalancing an investment portfolio to remove underperforming assets. The "armies" are your tools of financial discipline. Because your goal is long-term security and stability (a modest aim) rather than reckless wealth acquisition, you will have the clarity and resolve to make these necessary, and sometimes difficult, corrections.