Hexagram 43, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line presents a critical choice between two ways of exercising power. The first path, "to be powerful in the cheekbones," symbolizes a show of aggressive, emotional force. It is the grimace of anger, the clenched jaw of belligerence. This approach, born of raw strength and frustration, is impulsive and directly confronts the negative element. The I Ching warns that this leads to "misfortune" because it entangles one in the very conflict one seeks to resolve, likely escalating it and causing damage to oneself. The second path is that of the "superior person." This individual is equally "firmly resolved" (the doubling of the character for Breakthrough, 夬夬, emphasizes this) but chooses a different strategy. Instead of a direct, angry confrontation, they separate themselves from the fray. "He walks alone" signifies a commitment to principle over popular opinion or mob mentality. This path of integrity, however, is not easy. It comes with its own challenges, symbolized by being "caught in the rain." This represents being misunderstood, isolated, or facing temporary hardship as a result of one's principled stand. It is natural to feel "soaked and resentful" about this lack of support and comfort. Yet, despite the personal discomfort and isolation, this course of action is ultimately "without blame." By refusing to engage in raw aggression and instead holding fast to a righteous but lonely path, the superior person avoids the greater misfortune of a destructive entanglement.

Guidance for Action

You are in a situation that demands a resolute break from something negative. Your immediate instinct may be to use force, anger, or a powerful display of your position to overwhelm the opposition. Resist this urge. A direct, emotional confrontation will backfire and bring you misfortune. Instead, you must be doubly resolved in your principles but execute your breakthrough with quiet determination. Be prepared to act on your own, even if others do not support you or understand your decision. This path may feel lonely and you will likely face criticism or discomfort (the "rain"). You may feel annoyed or resentful about this isolation. Acknowledge these feelings, but do not let them deter you. By maintaining your integrity and choosing a principled, solitary course, you will navigate this difficult time without blame and ultimately achieve a more sustainable resolution.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line warns against angry ultimatums and hostile confrontations. If you are dealing with a serious problem with a partner, showing your anger through harsh words or a grim, threatening demeanor ("powerful in thecheekbones") will only make things worse and lead to misfortune. The correct path is to be firm and resolute in your own principles and boundaries. This might mean you need to state your position calmly and then physically or emotionally withdraw to let the situation cool down, even if it feels like you are "walking alone." Your partner may misunderstand your withdrawal as coldness, and you may feel resentful ("caught in the rain") that your feelings are not being understood. However, by refusing to engage in a shouting match, you preserve your dignity and create the space for a real, albeit difficult, resolution. This path is blameless.

For Career & Business

You are facing a negative situation at work—perhaps a toxic colleague, an unethical policy, or a project going in the wrong direction. The temptation is to have an outburst, to confront the responsible parties with anger and force. This line strongly advises against that; it will damage your reputation and lead to misfortune. The superior approach is to be firm in your professional and ethical stance. You may have to "walk alone," refusing to participate in the problematic behavior or voicing your dissent in a formal, detached manner, even if it makes you unpopular with the team. You might be excluded or misunderstood ("caught in the rain"), and you may feel resentful about the lack of support. Nevertheless, by sticking to your principles, you remain blameless and protect your long-term career integrity.

For Financial Matters

This line points to a situation where you must decisively cut ties with a bad investment, a financially draining partner, or a losing venture. An aggressive, emotional approach—like making angry demands or public accusations—will lead to greater trouble and potential legal "misfortune." The wiser course is to be "firmly resolved" to extricate yourself. This may require a quiet, solitary, and perhaps even thankless process. You might have to navigate complex paperwork alone or accept a minor loss to prevent a major one. This process may be frustrating and you might feel resentful about the money or time lost ("soaked and resentful"). However, by handling the separation with quiet determination rather than angry confrontation, you avoid escalating the conflict and remain "without blame," securing your financial well-being in the long run.