Hexagram 40, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line signifies the successful culmination of the process of Deliverance. The main difficulties have been resolved, but one final, significant obstacle or source of trouble remains. This is not a minor nuisance; it is a "hawk" (隼, sǔn)—a bird of prey—symbolizing a cunning, predatory, or rebellious element. It is perched on a "high wall," indicating it is in a conspicuous and hard-to-reach position, perhaps even holding a position of influence. The "prince" or "duke" (公, gōng) represents a person with the authority, skill, and legitimacy to act. The action of shooting the hawk is not a clumsy battle but a precise, targeted, and skillful strike. The complete success of this action ("He captures it. Everything is favorable.") shows that this is the correct and necessary final step. It is about eliminating the root cause of a lingering problem with decisive force, thereby securing a complete and lasting state of freedom and peace. The commentary clarifies that this action is necessary to "deliver from the rebellious," confirming that the target is a harmful, defiant force that must be removed for order to be restored.

Guidance for Action

You are at the final stage of resolving a long-standing problem. The time for gentle negotiation or passive waiting is over. You must now identify the single, primary source of the remaining trouble—the "hawk." This may be a person, a deep-seated habit, a flawed idea, or a toxic situation. Do not hesitate. You have the skill, authority, and resources necessary to deal with it effectively. Your action must be swift, precise, and decisive. Aim carefully and act with confidence. Confronting and eliminating this final obstacle is not only justified but essential for achieving true and lasting relief. The I Ching assures you that this targeted action will be completely successful and will bring benefit to all.

For Love & Relationships

In your relationship, most issues have been cleared up, but one significant, toxic element remains. This "hawk" could be a meddling third party (an ex-partner or a disruptive friend), a recurring, destructive pattern of behavior (like deep-seated jealousy or mistrust), or a major unresolved conflict that keeps resurfacing. The situation requires you to act as the "prince" and protect the integrity of your relationship. You must take a decisive, targeted action. This means setting a firm and final boundary, having a difficult but conclusive conversation, or cutting ties with the negative influence altogether. While this action may feel severe, it is necessary to eliminate the "rebellious" element that preys on your peace. Doing so will be wholly beneficial, allowing your relationship to finally experience true deliverance and security.

For Career & Business

Your work environment or project is on the verge of success, but one final, significant obstacle is holding things back. This "hawk" could be a persistently disruptive colleague, a flawed process that is draining resources, a major competitor making a bold move, or a rumor that is undermining morale. As a leader or a person of influence (the "prince"), it is your responsibility to act. You need to make a decisive move: address the individual's behavior directly, terminate the failing project, counter the competitor's strategy with a precise plan, or publicly debunk the rumor with facts. Tolerating this problem any longer is detrimental. A swift, skillful, and targeted strike is required to eliminate the issue for good. This leadership will be seen as highly effective and will secure a favorable outcome for your team and your career.

For Financial Matters

You have made significant progress in organizing your finances, but one major issue continues to threaten your stability. This financial "hawk" could be a single high-risk, speculative investment that causes constant anxiety, a loan with a predatory interest rate, a significant and recurring unnecessary expense, or a commitment to a financially draining scheme. The time has come to eliminate it. Act decisively as the "prince" of your own financial domain. Sell the risky asset, refinance or aggressively pay off the bad loan, or cut the major expense permanently. This is not the time for half-measures. A single, surgical action to remove this financial predator will be completely successful and will secure your long-term prosperity and peace of mind.