✦ HEXAGRAM 53
Jiàn —
Development.
Wind above, Mountain below.
JUDGMENT
Development. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.
THE IMAGE
On the mountain, a tree: the image of Development. Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, in order to improve the mores.
INTERPRETATION
A tree on a mountain grows slowly but stands visible to all. Development here means gradual, proper, step-by-step progress — each stage completed before the next begins.
Do not skip steps. Each stage of development must be honored. Like a proper courtship or a tree growing on exposed heights, the process requires patience and dignity. Rush it and you lose both stability and respect.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What does Hexagram 53 mean?
- It counsels gradual, step-by-step progress in proper order. Don't skip stages — each phase must be completed before advancing to the next.
- Why is patience important in Hexagram 53?
- Like a tree on a mountain, visible growth requires deep roots. Rushing undermines stability. Trust the process and honor each stage.