Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light

Trigrams

Upper trigram: Kun (Earth) · Lower trigram: Li (Fire)

Judgment

Favorable to persevere through hardship.

Image

Brightness sinks into the earth: darkening of the light. The noble one leads the people, veiling his brilliance yet remaining inwardly clear.

Meaning of Hexagram Darkening of the Light

Darkening of the Light (明夷) is hexagram #36 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams, formed by the upper trigram Kun (Earth) and lower trigram Li (Fire). It represents concealing one's brilliance during a time of adversity or oppression. When this hexagram is cast, the querent should meditate on the judgment and image to grasp what the Yi is saying about the current situation.

The Six Lines Explained

Line 1 (Nine)

"Ming yi, yu fei chui qi yi. Junzi yu xing, san ri bu shi (Brightness injured; like a bird flying with drooping wings; the noble one departs at once, even if it means going three days without food)"

In a time of darkness, like a bird wishing to fly but with wings drooping; the noble person, recognizing the moment, departs at once, even if it means fasting for three days. This advises leaving a dangerous situation as soon as unfavorable signs appear, even at temporary cost.

Line 2 (Chu Six)

"Ming yi, yi yu zuo gu, yong zheng ma zhuang, ji (Brightness injured, wounded in the left thigh; using a strong horse to rescue oneself, good fortune)"

In a time when the light is injured, like being wounded in the left thigh but recovering quickly, advancing like a strong horse — good fortune. This talented line, both central and correct, though suffering some harm, recovers quickly thanks to its good qualities.

Line 3 (Nine)

"Ming yi, yu nan shou, de qi da shou, bu ke ji, zhen (Brightness injured; hunting in the south, capturing the chief culprit; but one must not act hastily, must persevere)"

In a time when the light is injured, going on a campaign to the south and capturing the ringleader, but one should not act hastily and must remain steadfast. This line has both talent and resolve to root out evil, but must be patient and avoid rushing to prevent mistakes.

Line 4 (Chu Six)

"Ru yu zuo fu, huo ming yi zhi xin, yu chu men ting (Entering into the darkness of the left side of the belly; grasping the mind of the age of injured brightness, one goes out through the gate and courtyard)"

Like entering into the darkest part; understanding the true nature of a dark age, one should leave home and depart. This line recognizes the true nature of adverse circumstances and chooses to leave in order to preserve oneself.

Line 5 (Chu Six)

"Ji Zi zhi Ming Yi, li zhen (Ji Zi in the time of injured brightness; it is favorable to hold to what is right)"

Like Lord Ji Zi in a dark age, persevering in righteousness is favorable. This is a famous line, symbolizing the act of concealing one's own wisdom (feigning madness) to preserve oneself and await a better time, while holding firmly to one's inner resolve.

Line 6 (Chu Six, Top)

"Bu ming yi, chu deng yu tian, hou ru yu di (No longer merely injured brightness, but total darkness; first rising to heaven, then falling into the earth)"

No longer just brightness being injured, but complete darkness; first rising high to the heavens, then plunging down into the earth. This final line represents a ruler whose darkness has reached its extreme, collapsing entirely from the height of power.

The Transformed Hexagram

The hexagram has Li (Fire) as the inner trigram and Kun (Earth) as the outer trigram — the inverse of Hexagram 35, Fire over Earth (Jin), with the inner and outer trigrams reversed. When a line moves, the resulting hexagram varies according to its position; the specific moving line must be identified to determine the correct transformed hexagram.

Applications by Area of Life

Work & Career

This is a difficult period, marked by being suppressed or facing an unfavorable environment (as if the light were obscured). One should know when to leave (as in lines 1 and 4) and when to hide and bide one's time while still holding firm to principle (as in line 5 — the spirit of Ji Zi).

Love & Relationships

One may be going through a period where the relationship is affected by adverse external circumstances. Wisdom and patience (as in line 2, "wounded but quickly recovering") are needed to get through this difficult phase.

Health

The image of "injured brightness" may relate to a period of temporarily declining health. Line 2 carries a positive message: though injured, one will recover quickly if the underlying foundation is strong.

Wealth

An unfavorable period, which may involve facing an adverse business environment or being suppressed. One should be cautious, hold firmly to principle, and consider withdrawing if the situation becomes too unfavorable (as in line 1).

Frequently Asked Questions about Darkening of the Light

What does Hexagram Earth over Fire (Ming Yi) mean?

Ming Yi means "brightness injured" — the sun (fire, wisdom) has set beneath the earth, symbolizing a dark age in which talented people are suppressed and not given their due recognition.

What is the significance of the story of Ji Zi in line 5?

Ji Zi was a prince of the Yin dynasty; when King Zhou became tyrannical, he feigned madness to avoid harm, preserved his life, and later helped preserve the Yin lineage — a model of "concealing one's wisdom" to survive troubled times while still holding firm to one's ideals.

What is the most important lesson of the Ming Yi hexagram?

In difficult, dark times, there are two main strategies: leave the situation if possible (as in line 1), or, if forced to stay, wisely conceal one's talent and wisdom to avoid harm while still holding firmly to what is right within.