Hexagram 15: Modesty (謙 Qiān) – I Ching Meaning
Hexagram 15 of the 64 I Ching hexagrams is called Modesty (謙, Qiān). It is made of the lower trigram Gen (Mountain) and the upper trigram Kun (Earth). Keywords: humility, balance, quiet strength. This is for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction.
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Judgment
A mountain tucked inside the earth: great strength worn lightly. Modesty smooths the way and brings lasting respect.
The Image
The mountain hides within the earth. Take from those who have too much and give to those with too little, so things balance.
Modesty hexagram meaning
General meaning
Staying humble opens doors and softens difficulties. Quiet competence is respected.
Love
Putting the other person at ease brings you closer. Lower the defences and be kind.
Career
Credit is not everything. Do excellent work and let it be noticed in its own time.
Advice
Keep your strengths in the background and share the credit. Stay balanced.
The six changing lines
- Line 1. Even your modesty is modest. Careful, humble steps carry you far.
- Line 2. Your good name is known and still you stay humble. Stay on this path.
- Line 3. You work hard and stay modest. Keep going; people notice.
- Line 4. You can act freely when you keep to modesty. Move with grace.
- Line 5. Stand up with gentle firmness when needed. Humble does not mean passive.
- Line 6. Humility can also lead you to act when something must be done. Do it kindly but clearly.
In short
Quiet humility earns respect; being modest is a strength, not a weakness.
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