Hexagram
Upper TrigramWaterLower TrigramHeavenLine 1 · YangLine 2 · YangLine 3 · YangLine 4 · YinLine 5 · YangLine 6 · YinKing Wen Sequence #5 · Waiting
I Ching Hexagram #5 Water / Heaven

Waiting

水天需 (Xu)

Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune.

The Judgment & Decision

[Original Judgment]
有孚,光亨,贞吉。利涉大川。
Vernacular Essence: 云在天上待雨,韬光养晦之象。时机未到宜怀抱信心、安居养精,等待风云际会。
Translation: Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune.
[Commentary on the Decision]

需,须也;险在前也。刚健而不陷,其义不困穷矣。

The Great Symbolism & Virtue

《象》曰:云上于天,需;君子以饮食宴乐。

The Symbolism: Waiting

The Six Lines & Dynamics

First Line
Line 1

初潜修德,厚积薄发。

《象》曰:行事之初,正固为本。

Insight: Early phase: cultivate virtue and build firm foundations.

Second Line
Line 2

得中居正,顺理成章。

《象》曰:居中守正,吉无咎也。

Insight: Progressing in balance: centered action brings auspicious support.

Third Line
Line 3

多凶多惧,终日惕厉。

《象》曰:处于转折,慎终如始。

Insight: Critical juncture: remain vigilant and cautious amidst uncertainty.

Fourth Line
Line 4

审时度势,顺应高明。

《象》曰:顺应高明,获其志也。

Insight: High responsibility: adapt wisely and maintain integrity without arrogance.

Fifth Line
Line 5

居尊当位,光被四表。

《象》曰:大君之位,德施普也。

Insight: Peak position of authority: lead with virtue and broad benevolence.

Top Line
Line 6

高亢知戒,顺应转机。

《象》曰:物极当变,持盈保泰。

Insight: Culmination: beware of extremes and prepare gracefully for renewal.