Introduction to Hexagram 26: Shan Tian Da Xu
Hexagram 26, Da Xu (Great Accumulation), is the 26th hexagram of the I Ching. It is formed by the trigram Qian (Heaven, ☰) below and Gen (Mountain, ☶) above. The image is of Heaven stored within the Mountain, symbolizing great potential and power held in restraint. The mountain represents stillness and stopping; Heaven represents strength and action. Together they illustrate the concept of "Great Accumulation": a vast reservoir of energy and capability that is being nurtured and contained, not yet ready for hasty outward expression.
Research on the I Ching is a deep exploration, with scholars approaching it from many angles. Works exploring the roots of the I Ching contribute to our understanding of this ancient philosophical system. Understanding a specific hexagram like Da Xu helps apply this ancient wisdom to modern life.
Detailed Look at Da Xu
The Judgment
The Judgment says: "Da Xu: Perseverance brings good fortune. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river."
This emphasizes that accumulation must be coupled with righteousness (zhen). The purpose of accumulation is not hoarding or idleness, but action. "Not eating at home" advises using one's accumulated talent and virtue to serve society and undertake great, difficult tasks, symbolized by "crossing the great river."
The Image
The Image says: "Heaven within the mountain: Da Xu. The superior person learns widely about the words and deeds of the past to accumulate virtue."
The image provides a clear lesson: "Heaven" (wisdom, strength, ideals) resides within the "mountain" (tranquility, modesty). The superior person studies history and culture continuously to cultivate virtue. The vast mountain can contain the sky, just as the heart and mind of the superior person must be vast enough to hold knowledge and refine character.
The Lines
Da Xu has six lines, each describing a stage of accumulation:
- Initial Nine: "There is danger. It is favorable to stop." At the beginning, one faces restraint. The advice is to recognize the risk and halt, avoiding reckless action.
- Second Nine: "The wagon is stripped of its wheels." Talent is present but blocked. Like a cart without wheels, one cannot advance. This is an opportunity for quiet self-cultivation while waiting for the right time.
- Third Nine: "A good horse follows. Perseverance brings good fortune. Practice driving and armed defense daily. It is favorable to have somewhere to go." This is a favorable line. Talent is refined and has strong potential. The task is to stay the course, practice skills diligently, and prepare for significant undertakings.
- Six in the Fourth Place: "The horns of a young bull. Great good fortune." This yin line has the duty to restrain and educate. Preventing problems when they are small, like putting horns on a young bull to prevent goring, yields excellent results.
- Six in the Fifth Place: "The tusks of a castrated boar. Good fortune." This line represents a leader with the power to control the powerful and dangerous. Neutralizing latent threats, like removing a boar's tusks, is a great accumulation of governance and security.
- Top Nine: "The road across the sky. Success." Accumulation has reached its peak; no more obstacles remain. One has achieved harmony with the cosmic order and can realize grand aspirations, benefiting society.
Applications of Da Xu
In Career and Work
Da Xu advises against impatience. It is a time to focus on accumulating professional knowledge, soft skills, building relationships, and establishing a reputation. Avoid rushing into job changes or ventures on a weak foundation. View current difficulties as tests to refine skills. When maturity is reached (as in the top line), success will come naturally and sustainably.
In Self-Cultivation
The hexagram emphasizes that accumulating virtue is the most important foundation. Learning is not just from books but also from reflecting on life and the lessons of the past. Material accumulation should go hand-in-hand with spiritual and intellectual growth. Knowledge without virtue is unlikely to bring lasting benefit.
In Decision Making
When facing difficult problems, Da Xu advises a comprehensive view and an honest assessment of one's capabilities. If conditions are not ripe, wait patiently and avoid impulsive actions (lines 1 & 2). If well-prepared, advance boldly to overcome challenges and achieve great goals (line 3). The hexagram also reminds leaders to establish mechanisms to prevent and resolve potential crises early on.
Quick-Reference Table: Hexagram The Taming Power of the Great
| Aspect | Content |
|---|---|
| King Wen number | 26 |
| Chinese name | 大畜 |
| Symbol | ䷙ |
| Vietnamese name | Sơn Thiên Đại Súc |
| Upper trigram | Gen (Mountain), Earth element, Northeast |
| Lower trigram | Qian (Heaven), Metal element, Northwest |
| Six lines, first line at the bottom | 1st yang, 2nd yang, 3rd yang, 4th yin, 5th yin, 6th yang |
| Image | Heaven held within the mountain: great strength contained. |
| Reading | An image of storing and restraining considerable strength. The classics tie it to study and training before deployment. Holding back at the right time is itself a use of power. |
*Số liệu trong bảng khớp với kết quả các công cụ tra cứu trên Nhật Nguyệt.*