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Hexagram 51

The Arousing

· Zhèn

Trigram Composition

Upper Trigram

Thunder

Lower Trigram

Thunder

The Judgment (彖)

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

The Image (象)

Thunder repeated: The Arousing. The superior person sets their life in order through examining themselves in fear and trembling.

Meaning

Thunder upon thunder — sudden shock that awakens and energizes. The initial terror gives way to exhilaration. Those who maintain composure through the shock emerge stronger and clearer.

Advice

A shock is coming or has come. Don't panic — let it wake you up rather than knock you down. Use the jolt as motivation for self-examination. Maintain your center through the turbulence.

Keywords

ShockAwakeningComposureSelf-examinationEnergy