Hexagram N°51

The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)

L'Éveilleur (Le Tonnerre)

Zhèn

Upper trigram

Thunder

Lower trigram

Thunder

The Judgment

The Arousing brings success. The Arousing comes — oh, oh! Laughing words — ha, ha! The Arousing terrifies for a hundred miles, and it does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and the chalice.

The Image

Repeated thunder: the image of The Arousing. Thus the superior man, in fear and trembling, sets his life in order and examines himself.

Meaning

Shock, awakening, tremor. The unexpected shakes and awakens. The moment demands transforming fear into vigilance and renewal.

The six lines

Line 1 (bottom)

The Arousing comes — oh, oh! Then follow laughing words — ha, ha! Good fortune.

Line 2

The Arousing comes bringing danger. A hundred thousand times you lose your treasures and must climb the nine hills. Do not pursue them. After seven days you will find them again.

Line 3

The Arousing comes and makes you perplexed. If the Arousing impels you to action, you remain without blame.

Line 4

The Arousing is mired.

Line 5

The Arousing comes and goes — danger. Nevertheless, nothing at all is lost. There are affairs to be settled.

Line 6 (top)

The Arousing brings ruin and terrified glances all around. To go forward brings misfortune. If the Arousing does not reach one's own body but first the neighbor, there is no blame. The companions have something to say.