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What is Hexagram 21?

'Biting Through' in the I Ching emphasises overcoming obstacles to truth. It advises retreating into stillness for clarity and moderation. Hexagram 21 highlights decisive action to navigate challenges, encouraging boldness and persistence. It stresses the need for firm resolve and clear understanding, advising against rash actions and focusing on goals to overcome setbacks and barriers.

Consult the I Ching 21 - hexagram 21 Biting Through

I Ching Hexagram 21 - Biting Through

Overcome obstacles that hinder expression of truth. Retreat into quietness and stillness, allowing wisdom to guide towards moderation for better clarity and objectivity.

Summary

Hexagram 21 focuses on decisive action and overcoming obstacles. Be bold and persistent to navigate through challenges.

Interpretation

Learn the importance of decisive action to break through barriers. Understand that firm resolve and clear understanding of the situation are crucial. Avoid rash actions, remain focused on goals, and overcome setbacks.

Line 1

Learn from mistakes to avoid compounding the severity of misfortune. Understand the importance of taking responsibility for actions and using experiences as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Line 2

Avoid excessive anger or negative emotions, even when dealing with a lack of integrity or departure from truth. Maintain a balanced perspective and humble attitude while correcting situations.

Line 3

Handle longstanding conflicts with understanding and forgiveness, avoiding reactive patterns and seeking peaceful resolutions. Refrain from avenging oneself to avoid further conflict and harm.

Line 4

Resist the temptation to fall back into old habits and maintain a balanced, cautious approach. Understand the role of inner thoughts in resolving difficulties and cultivate a positive mindset.

Line 5

Ensure both parties are dedicated to the good for unity to occur. Do not shield people from the consequences of their actions, and only assist those willing to correct their mistakes. Be patient and allow events to unfold naturally for the best outcomes.

Line 6

Avoid stubbornness and insistence on doing things your way to prevent humiliation and punishment. Humbly return to the path of righteousness and trust in the universe's natural order to avoid making mistakes.

Learn more with this Hexagrams I Ching Video

Unveiling the Wisdom of Hexagram 21: A Guide to Personal Transformation

Dive into the ancient teachings of I Ching Hexagram 21, as we uncover its profound wisdom and its application to self-improvement, personal growth, enlightenment, and awakening. This exploration is not just an academic exercise but a practical guide to integrating timeless truths into our modern lives, fostering transformation and deeper understanding of our personal journeys.

Core Insights

Essence of Hexagram 21

Hexagram 21, often referred to as “Biting Through” or Shi Ho, symbolises the need for decisive action and the resolution of obstacles through determination and clarity. It represents the fundamental principles of justice, truth-seeking, and the removal of hindrances through firmness and correctness. The imagery of this hexagram, like that of biting through tough obstacles, reflects the necessity of confronting challenges directly to achieve resolution and progress.

Historical Wisdom

Throughout history, Hexagram 21 has been interpreted as guidance for addressing difficulties with resolve and moral fortitude. It is seen as a call to action for overcoming stagnation or injustice, emphasising the importance of clarity, truth, and ethical strength in resolving conflicts and removing barriers to progress.

Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

Reflective Questions

What challenges or obstacles in my life require a decisive and clear approach for resolution?
How can I cultivate the courage and moral strength to confront difficult situations with integrity and determination?
In what ways can I apply the principles of truth-seeking and justice to personal and professional challenges I face?

Actionable Insights

Identify specific challenges or conflicts in your life that need resolution, and develop a clear plan of action to address them.
Practice honesty and integrity in all dealings, and stand firm in your principles, especially in difficult situations.
Seek out resources or advice that can help you develop the clarity and strength needed to ‘bite through’ challenges effectively.

Path to Enlightenment

Mindfulness Practices

Engage in mindfulness techniques that focus on cultivating inner strength, resolve, and clarity. Practices like focused attention meditation or visualisations for overcoming obstacles can be particularly resonant with Hexagram 21.

Philosophical Reflections

Reflect on the balance between assertiveness and compassion, and the role of truth and justice in personal development. Consider how the act of ‘biting through’ obstacles contributes to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Awakening to Life’s Mysteries

Transformational Stories

Share stories that embody the essence of Hexagram 21. These could be personal experiences where decisive action led to significant breakthroughs, historical examples of justice prevailing, or parables that highlight the value of truth and determination.

By delving into the wisdom of Hexagram 21, we embark on a journey of facing challenges with resolve and integrity, guiding us towards personal transformation, a deeper understanding of justice, and an enlightened approach to life’s complexities.

More Information about the I Ching

Understanding the Structure of Hexagrams

Every hexagram in the I Ching, from the first hexagram to the 64th, is constructed using a combination of trigrams. These trigrams, the building blocks of every I Ching hexagram, represent different natural elements and concepts, such as wind, water, fire, and mountain. The upper trigram and lower trigram interact, giving birth to the unique energy of the hexagram. By delving into the trigrams that compose a hexagram, one can unearth its deeper meanings and implications.

The Timeless Nature of I Ching

The I Ching, often referred to as the Book of Changes or Yijing, has remained relevant due to its universal themes. While society has evolved, the essential human emotions and challenges we face remain. The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching address these timeless concerns, making it an untiring guide for introspection and growth. Whether you're contemplating the creative power of Hexagram 1 or the dynamic interplay in other hexagrams, the wisdom remains ceaseless.

The Philosophical Foundations of I Ching

The I Ching is deeply rooted in Taoist and Confucian philosophies. It's a reflection of the world's natural order, emphasising the dynamics of yin and yang. Studying the hexagrams provides insights into the ancient Chinese understanding of balance, change, and harmony in the universe.

How to Consult the I Ching

Traditionally, seekers would consult the I Ching using yarrow stalks or coins. The divinatory process, often seen as an interaction with the oracle, results in a specific hexagram. This hexagram, whether it be the light-giving Hexagram 1 or another, provides guidance tailored to the individual's query. Modern enthusiasts might also opt for a free I Ching reading online to understand their current situation better.

Incorporating I Ching Hexagram 21 into Daily Life

Hexagram 21, epitomising the act of biting through and resolving, imparts wisdom about confronting issues head-on and seeking clarity. The six lines of this hexagram emphasise the importance of decisive action in the face of obstacles. In a world where ambiguity can often cloud judgement, Hexagram 21 encourages us to seek truth, address injustices, and move forward with determination and clarity.

Incorporating I Ching into Self-Improvement and Personal Growth

The I Ching, with its intricate tapestry of hexagrams, serves as a profound compass for those on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth. Each hexagram offers insights into life's challenges and opportunities, guiding individuals to introspect, evolve, and align with the universe's natural rhythms.

Regularly consulting the I Ching offers a bridge to ancient wisdom, helping seekers tap into their inner strengths and potentials. The detailed interpretations of each hexagram, from the dynamics of its yang and yin lines to its overarching message, act as roadmaps for personal development. They shed light on one's strengths, highlight areas for growth, and provide direction in times of uncertainty.

For those dedicated to personal evolution, the I Ching is an invaluable guide. It aids in discerning the optimal paths in life, understanding relationship dynamics, and fostering a harmonious balance in all endeavours. Through its teachings, individuals are equipped to cultivate essential virtues like patience, resilience, and empathy. This not only empowers personal growth but also enables one to be a positive force in the broader world.

In today's rapidly changing world, the I Ching remains a pillar of timeless wisdom. It beckons individuals to journey inward, embrace continuous learning, and cherish the ever-evolving process of self-betterment.

Consult I Ching

Choose a Hexagram Number

How to use the coin method to consult the I Ching

Consult the I Ching online. Use our coin method simulation and build your own hexagram.

Number	Title	Name
1	CH'IEN	The Creative
2	K'UN	The Receptive
3	CHUN	Difficulty at the Beginning
4	MÊNG	Youthful Folly
5	HSÜ	Waiting (Nourishment)
6	SUNG	Conflict
7	SHIH	The Army
8	PI	Holding Together
9	HSIAO CH'U	The Taming Power of the Small
10	LÜ	Treading (Conduct)
11	TAI	Peace
12	P'I	Standstill (Stagnation)
13	T'UNG JÊN	Fellowship with others
14	TA YU	Possession in Great Measure
15	CH'IEN	Modesty
16	YÜ	Enthusiasm
17	SUI	Following
18	KU	Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Decay)
19	LIN	Approach
20	KUAN	Contemplation
21	SHIH HO	Biting Through
22	PI	Grace
23	PO	Splitting Apart
24	FU	Return
25	WU WANG	Innocence
26	TA CH'U	The Taming Power of the Great
27	I	Providing Nourishment
28	TA KUO	Preponderance of the Great
29	K'AN	The Abysmal (Water)
30	LI	The Clinging Fire
31	HSIEN	Influence
32	HÊNG	Duration
33	TUN	Retreat
34	TA CHUANG	The Power of the Great
35	CHIN	Progress
36	MING I	Darkening of the Light
37	CHIA JÊN	The Family
38	K'UEI	Opposition
39	CHIEN	Obstruction
40	HSIEH	Deliverance
41	SUN	Decrease
42	I	Increase
43	KUAI	Breakthrough (Resoluteness)
44	KOU	Coming to Meet
45	TS'UI	Gathering Together
46	SHÊNG	Pushing Upward
47	K'UN	Oppression (Exhaustion)
48	CHING	The Well
49	KO	Revolution
50	TING	The Cauldron
51	CHÊN	The Arousing (Shock)
52	KÊN	Keeping Still
53	CHIEN	Gradual Progress
54	KUEI MEI	The Marrying Maiden
55	FÊNG	Abundance
56	LÜ	The Wanderer
57	SUN	The Gentle
58	TUI	The Joyous, Lake
59	HUAN	Dispersion
60	CHIEH	Limitation
61	CHUNG FU	Inner Truth
62	HSIAO KUO	Preponderance of the Small
63	CHI CHI	After Completion
64	WEI CHI	Before Completion