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What is Hexagram 36?

'Darkening of the Light' in the I Ching signifies a loss of clarity during uncertain times. It advises caution, reflection, and reliance on one's inner light as a guiding beacon. This hexagram explores feelings of discontent and confusion, urging reconnection with inner guidance for navigating challenges with clarity and perseverance.

Consult the I Ching 36 - hexagram 36 Darkening of the Light

I Ching Hexagram 36 - Darkening of the Light

An exploration into the nature of discontent and negativity during times of slow progress. Provides guidance on maintaining one's inner light to traverse challenging times with clarity.

Summary

Symbolises a loss of clarity in uncertain times. Promotes caution, reflection, and the reliance on one's inner light as a guiding beacon.

Interpretation

Encourages caution during adversity. It explores losing faith, confusion, and feelings of disconnection, and calls on one to reconnect with their inner guidance.

Line 1

Advises against striving for visible progress, promoting a focus on the inner light and staying true to one's values.

Line 2

Speaks of perseverance in the face of challenges. It inspires trust in one's inner strength and determination.

Line 3

Promotes persistence in addressing complex issues. It underscores the importance of vigilance and overcoming negative patterns.

Line 4

Advises releasing negative thoughts and actions. It encourages an honest examination of our motivations to aid progress.

Line 5

Calls for maintaining inner strength in the face of external darkness. It relates to enduring challenges with an invincible spirit.

Line 6

Emphasises steadfastness in truth and righteousness in the face of overwhelming adversity. A reminder of the potential for transformation even in darkness.

Learn more with this Hexagrams I Ching Video

Unveiling the Wisdom of Hexagram 36: A Guide to Personal Transformation

Dive into the ancient teachings of I Ching Hexagram 36, 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 36

Hexagram 36, often referred to as “Darkening of the Light” or Ming Yi, symbolises a period of adversity or concealment of illumination. It represents the fundamental principles of resilience, inner strength, and the wisdom in preserving integrity during challenging times. This hexagram emphasises the importance of maintaining one’s inner light and truth in the face of external hardship or darkness.

Historical Wisdom

Throughout history, Hexagram 36 has been interpreted as a guide for navigating through difficult or oppressive circumstances with resilience and inner strength. It serves as a reminder of the need to protect one's values and integrity when external conditions are unfavourable. This hexagram has been applied in personal adversity, societal challenges, and times of crisis, highlighting the significance of preserving one’s inner light amidst external darkness.

Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

Reflective Questions

How can I maintain my integrity and inner strength during challenging times in my life?
What strategies can I employ to preserve my inner light when faced with adversity or darkness?
How can I use difficult experiences as opportunities for personal growth and development?

Actionable Insights

Cultivate resilience through practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and seeking support from trusted individuals or communities.
Identify and hold onto your core values and principles, using them as a guiding light during challenging times.
Learn from adversity by reflecting on the lessons and strengths gained from overcoming difficult experiences.

Path to Enlightenment

Mindfulness Practices

Incorporate mindfulness practices that focus on resilience, inner strength, and the preservation of integrity. Techniques like meditation on inner light or contemplation on the nature of adversity can align with the essence of Hexagram 36.

Philosophical Reflections

Reflect on the role of challenges and adversity in personal and spiritual growth. Explore how maintaining inner light and truth during dark times can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.

Awakening to Life’s Mysteries

Transformational Stories

Share stories that embody the essence of Hexagram 36. These could be personal experiences of resilience in the face of hardship, historical examples of integrity amidst adversity, or parables that illustrate the importance of preserving one’s inner light in dark times.

By exploring the wisdom of Hexagram 36, we embark on a journey of understanding the power of resilience, the importance of maintaining inner strength during adversity, and the value of preserving our inner light, guiding us towards a more enlightened and transformative existence.

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 36 into Daily Life

Hexagram 36, symbolising the darkening of light or concealment during adversity, offers wisdom on resilience during challenging times. The six lines of this hexagram highlight the need for discretion and patience during periods of difficulty. In our trials and tribulations, Hexagram 36 guides us to protect our inner light, waiting for the right moment to shine once again.

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