Meng, nine at the topHexagram 4, line 6 · Meng (Youthful Ignorance) · changing to 7
The line
In plain wordsTreating ignorance by hitting at it. Control him too harshly and press him too hard, and you harm him instead. Using the force to block temptation from outside and protect his true heart is what fits. This is not only about teaching; it holds for everything.
The Image commentary on this line
利禦寇，上下順也。
"It is favorable to fend off robbers": above and below are in accord.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
慎Proceed with care. There is some risk, or some regret left over, but nothing serious. Notice it early, correct it early, and things turn for the better.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You can be strict in leading people and running things, but strictness is for keeping out bad influences and protecting people, not for going after them. Hit too hard or push too tight and you damage both the people and the work.
- Love
- When the other person is being foolish, you can speak seriously, but the aim is to protect the relationship and fend off outside interference, not to force the other person into submission. Words too harsh and control too tight only wound.
- Money
- Keeping a tight grip on money is for guarding against scams and waste, not for pressing on others. When someone owes you, be measured in going after it; push too hard, and you become the unreasonable one.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Meng.
Line position
A yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Top place: the end of the matter. What reaches its limit turns. Know when to stop.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Meng (Youthful Ignorance); when this line changes it becomes Shi (The Army): hexagram 4 changing to 7.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Shi (The Army)
This is a hard battle that takes a lot of people. What matters most is the leader and the discipline.