Tinh Menh Do
Hexagram No. 27 ䷚

The Corners of the Mouth (Yi)

Symbolizes the chin, nourishment, eating and speaking. This hexagram teaches about nurturing yourself and nurturing others in the right way.

Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
Line 5
Line 6

6-Line Structure

I Ching Interpretation

Symbolism & Structure

The Di hexagram has an Upper trigram called Can (Son/Stop), and a Lower trigram called Chan (Thunder/Dynamo). The mountains above are static, the thunder below is dynamic, just like the upper jaw stands still and the lower jaw moves when chewing. The word 'Di' means chin. It is not only about eating material things but also about 'eating' knowledge and 'uttering' words. A temperate mouth is the root of health and peace.

Philosophy & Virtues

The philosophy of the Di hexagram teaches: 'Di, pure sand. Quan di, ask yourself for food'. Seeing how a person supports himself and others will help you know whether they are a gentleman or a petty person. The gentleman is 'careful with language, careful with food' (careful with words, moderate with food). Nourish your body with clean food, nourish your mind with good thoughts, nourish others with education and sincere help. If you only worry about enjoyment and love delicious food but forget about virtue, it is called 'crazy di' (wrong upbringing).

Line by Line Analysis

1st Line

Hao So Cuu: 'Let go of the spirit turtle, the official falls away, fierce'. Leave your sacred turtle and look at my chin chewing (longingly). Warning to those who have real power but are greedy and jealous of other people's profits. Bad outcome.

2nd Line

Hao Luc Nhi: 'Crazy di, phat Kinh di, vu khach di, chinh hung'. Being raised in a counterintuitive way, not following common sense, praying to those below you to help you. This action is against the path, moving forward will bring disaster.

3rd Line

Hao Luc Tam: 'Fat Di, Trinh Hung. Decades of items, without benefit'. Contrary to the path of nurturing, even if you persevere, you will still be cruel. Ten years of not being able to do anything because the mind is only focused on base desires.

4th Line

Hao Luc Tu: 'Crazy, sand. Tiger's passion, desire is abandoned, there is no end'. Nurturing subordinates (opposite of moat 2). Although it seems ambitious like a tiger looking at prey, it is to carry out a great cause and help people, so there is no fault.

5th Line

Hao Luc Ngu: 'If you're afraid, you'll be fine, you can't interfere with the great journey'. Contrary to common sense, it is good to maintain a strong heart and stay still. Don't risk doing big things (crossing the river) because your internal strength is not strong enough.

6th Line

Hao Thuong Cuu: 'Do Di, Le Cat, Loi Thi Dai Xuyen'. The origin of nourishment. In this position you have the ability to feed the world. Even though the burden is great and dangerous, if you do it well, you will achieve brilliant results and do great things.

General Discussion

Hexagram Di reminds: Disaster is exported, illness is imported. Every success or failure starts with controlling your mouth.

Divination & Guidance

Work & Affairs

Jobs are focusing on service, education or supply sectors. Focus on intrinsic quality instead of appearance. Don't 'look at the mouth' of others and follow suit, be self-reliant.

Morning Advice

Start your day with a healthy breakfast and positive words. Avoid gossiping or complaining. Moderation in communication will bring about a productive working day.

Love & Relationships

Relationships need emotional care. Don't just care about material things. Pay attention to how you communicate, thoughtless words can deeply hurt the other person.

Dau Nam

A year of cultivation. You should spend time taking care of your health and learning new courses. Wealth comes from helping and nurturing others to succeed.

Career & Success

Get promoted if you work in the medical, culinary, consulting or education industries. You have the ability to inspire. Keep your reputation in words, 'what you say can be done'.

Wealth & Business

Stable, enough food and clothing. Money is earned from honest labor. Avoid participating in 'sitting around and eating a bowl of gold' deals to avoid losing money.

Health & Well-being

Special attention should be paid to the digestive system, teeth and diet. Don't overeat or skip meals. Health is your most valuable asset this year.

Luu Y Dac Biet

Having cast the Di hexagram, ask yourself: 'What am I putting into my head and what words are I saying?'. Correct those two things and your destiny will change.

Strategic Insights

Risk Analysis

The biggest risk is 'greedy' and 'talkativeness'. When you don't know enough about enjoyment or tell too many secrets, you are creating a trap for yourself.

Strategy

If you do the opposite (neglect yourself or extreme silence): You will be depleted or isolated. Hexagram Di teaches that nurturing must be 'neutral' - enough in material things and wise in words.

Previous No. 26: The Taming Power of the Great (Daxu) Next No. 28: Preponderance of the Great (Daguo)
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