The Yî King · James Legge
Judgment
Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
1882 scan · p. 57Line 1 · Nine, undivided
In the first (or lowest) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.
1882 scan · p. 57Line 2 · Nine, undivided
In the second line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
1882 scan · p. 57Line 3 · Nine, undivided
In the third line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.
1882 scan · p. 57Line 4 · Nine, undivided
In the fourth line, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.
1882 scan · p. 57Line 5 · Nine, undivided
In the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
1882 scan · p. 57Line 6 · Nine, undivided
In the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.
1882 scan · p. 58Use Nine
(The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number nine. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.
1882 scan · p. 58James Legge · The Yî King (1882), Princeton scan. All 450 selected passages were independently image-read and compared by AI; unresolved print details remain. Not human or expert collation. Source and data ↗