Hexagram 3: Zhūn (Difficulty at the Beginning)

Hexagram Image: [Upper Trigram: Kǎn (Water), Lower Trigram: Zhèn (Thunder)]

Upper Trigram: Kǎn (Water) Lower Trigram: Zhèn (Thunder)

Judgment: Zhūn: Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers.

Symbolism: Initial difficulty, gathering support, chaos, new beginnings

Meaning of the Hexagram

The Zhūn hexagram symbolizes difficulty at the beginning. The character “Zhūn” represents sprouting, difficulty, and initial chaos. This hexagram is composed of the lower trigram Zhèn (Thunder) and the upper trigram Kǎn (Water), symbolizing thunder beneath water, like the chaotic energy of spring when new life begins to sprout amidst difficulties.

On a philosophical level, the Zhūn hexagram explores the wisdom of beginnings and initial difficulties. True wisdom is not avoiding challenges but understanding that all significant endeavors face initial obstacles. The Zhūn hexagram reminds us that beginnings are inherently difficult and chaotic, requiring patience, support, and careful planning to navigate successfully.

Analysis of the Judgment

“Zhūn: Supreme success” indicates that despite initial difficulties, supreme success is possible, emphasizing the potential for achievement even in challenging beginnings.

“Perseverance furthers” means that perseverance is beneficial, suggesting that overcoming initial difficulties requires persistent effort and determination.

“Nothing should be undertaken” cautions against immediate action, suggesting that in times of initial difficulty, it is better to plan and prepare rather than act hastily.

“It furthers one to appoint helpers” emphasizes the importance of seeking support and assistance, suggesting that initial difficulties are best overcome with the help of others.

Overall, the judgment emphasizes that despite initial difficulties, supreme success is possible through perseverance, careful planning, and seeking support, thus navigating the chaos of beginnings effectively.

Line Statements

Initial Nine: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers.

Symbolism: Hesitation and hindrance, furthers to persevere and appoint helpers
Interpretation: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers
Application: Describes the hesitation and obstacles at the very beginning, suggesting that perseverance and seeking assistance are beneficial approaches to overcome these initial challenges

Six in the Second Place: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; he wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, she does not pledge herself. Ten years—then she pledges herself.

Symbolism: Difficulties pile up, horse and wagon part, maiden chaste for ten years
Interpretation: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; he wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, she does not pledge herself. Ten years—then she pledges herself
Application: Illustrates the accumulation of difficulties and the separation of elements that should be united, using the metaphor of courtship to suggest that patience and proper timing are essential in overcoming these challenges

Six in the Third Place: Whoever hunts deer without the forester only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time and prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation.

Symbolism: Hunting deer without forester, superior man desists to avoid humiliation
Interpretation: Whoever hunts deer without the forester only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time and prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation
Application: Warns against proceeding without proper guidance or understanding, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to stop and when to seek expertise to avoid getting lost or humiliated

Six in the Fourth Place: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything furthers.

Symbolism: Horse and wagon part, strive for union, going brings fortune
Interpretation: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything furthers
Application: Describes a situation where elements are separated but there is an opportunity for reunion, suggesting that active effort toward unity and forward movement will bring good fortune

Nine in the Fifth Place: Difficulties in blessing. Small perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune.

Symbolism: Difficulties in blessing, small perseverance fortunate, great perseverance unfortunate
Interpretation: Difficulties in blessing. Small perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune
Application: Highlights the paradox that in some difficult situations, moderate persistence is beneficial while excessive persistence can be harmful, suggesting the need for balanced and measured approaches

Top Six: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow.

Symbolism: Horse and wagon part, bloody tears flow
Interpretation: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow
Application: Depicts the pain and sorrow of final separation and unresolved difficulties, serving as a warning about the consequences of failing to address initial challenges appropriately

Interpretation Guide Table

Area	Key Points	Indication
Career	Expect initial challenges, seek mentorship, build strong foundations, focus on preparation	Challenging initially, promising long-term
Wealth	Anticipate financial hurdles, seek expert advice, establish solid systems, focus on gradual accumulation	Challenging initially, promising long-term
Relationships	Prepare for early misunderstandings, seek communication clarity, build trust gradually, focus on patience	Challenging initially, promising long-term
Health	Address emerging issues promptly, consult healthcare professionals, establish healthy routines, focus on prevention	Challenging initially, promising long-term
Family	Work through initial conflicts, seek family counseling if needed, build strong traditions, focus on understanding	Challenging initially, promising long-term
Education	Expect learning curve challenges, seek tutoring when needed, build strong fundamentals, focus on persistence	Challenging initially, promising long-term

Hexagram Transformations

Derived Hexagram: Varies depending on changing lines Mutual Hexagram: Lín hexagram Opposite Hexagram: Méng hexagram Nuclear Hexagram: Gèn hexagram

Najia and Five Elements

The Zhūn hexagram has the upper trigram Kǎn which belongs to water, and the lower trigram Zhèn which belongs to wood. In the Najia system, Zhèn trigram is assigned to Zhèn Palace Zhēn Yín, and Kǎn trigram is assigned to Kǎn Palace Rén Zǐ.

In terms of Five Elements relationships, the lower trigram Zhèn is wood, and the upper trigram Kǎn is water. Water nourishes wood, symbolizing support and growth (water’s nourishment of wood). This also echoes the theme of difficulty at the beginning described in the Zhūn hexagram, suggesting that despite initial difficulties, there is potential for growth and development, like water nourishing wood to help it grow and thrive.

Modern Application Examples

Business Startup: An entrepreneur starting a new business receives the Zhūn hexagram. This reminds them that business beginnings are inherently difficult (“Zhūn: Supreme success”), but success is possible with persistence (“Perseverance furthers”). “Nothing should be undertaken” cautions against rushing into implementation without proper planning. “It furthers one to appoint helpers” emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and seeking advisors. “Initial Nine: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers” describes the uncertainty and obstacles at the business launch, suggesting that perseverance and assembling a good team are crucial. “Six in the Second Place: Difficulties pile up…” illustrates how challenges can accumulate in the early stages, and patience is essential—success may take years, just as the maiden pledges herself after ten years. “Six in the Third Place: Whoever hunts deer without the forester…” warns against proceeding without industry expertise or market research, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance to avoid costly mistakes. “Six in the Fourth Place: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union…” suggests that despite disconnections (perhaps between product and market, or team members), active effort toward alignment will bring success. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Difficulties in blessing…” highlights that moderate persistence is beneficial while excessive stubbornness can be harmful—flexibility and adaptability are key in entrepreneurship. “Top Six: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow” serves as a warning about the emotional and financial pain of business failure if initial challenges aren’t properly addressed. Overall, the Zhūn hexagram advises them to expect difficulties, plan thoroughly, build a strong team, seek expertise, work toward alignment, maintain flexibility, and address challenges promptly, thus navigating the chaotic beginning stages of business successfully.
Learning New Skill: A person beginning to learn a complex new skill receives the Zhūn hexagram. “Zhūn: Supreme success” encourages them that despite initial difficulties, they can achieve mastery. “Perseverance furthers” reminds them that learning requires persistent effort. “Nothing should be undertaken” suggests they shouldn’t attempt advanced techniques before mastering basics. “It furthers one to appoint helpers” emphasizes the importance of finding teachers, mentors, or study groups. “Initial Nine: Hesitation and hindrance…” describes the confusion and obstacles at the beginning of learning, suggesting that perseverance and seeking guidance are essential. “Six in the Second Place: Difficulties pile up…” illustrates how challenges accumulate in the learning process, and patience is necessary—proficiency may take years, just as the maiden pledges herself after ten years. “Six in the Third Place: Whoever hunts deer without the forester…” warns against trying to learn without proper instruction, emphasizing the importance of following established methods and seeking expertise. “Six in the Fourth Place: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union…” suggests that despite disconnections (perhaps between theory and practice, or different aspects of the skill), active effort toward integration will bring success. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Difficulties in blessing…” highlights that moderate persistence with specific techniques is beneficial while excessive focus on one approach can be limiting—versatility in learning methods is important. “Top Six: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow” warns about the frustration and disappointment of giving up if learning challenges aren’t properly addressed. Overall, the Zhūn hexagram perfectly describes the learning process: initial confusion, accumulating challenges, the need for guidance, integration of knowledge, balanced approaches, and the consequences of giving up. It advises them to expect difficulties, seek instruction, practice consistently, integrate different aspects of learning, maintain versatility in approaches, and address challenges promptly, thus mastering the new skill successfully.
Relationship Beginning: A couple in the early stages of a relationship receives the Zhūn hexagram. “Zhūn: Supreme success” directly points to the potential for a successful relationship despite initial awkwardness. “Perseverance furthers” emphasizes that building a relationship requires consistent effort. “Nothing should be undertaken” cautions against rushing into deep commitment before establishing a foundation. “It furthers one to appoint helpers” suggests seeking support from friends, family, or even relationship counselors. “Initial Nine: Hesitation and hindrance…” describes the uncertainty and obstacles at the beginning of the relationship, suggesting that perseverance and seeking advice are beneficial. “Six in the Second Place: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part…” is particularly relevant, using the courtship metaphor to illustrate that patience and proper timing are essential—meaningful commitment may take time to develop. “Six in the Third Place: Whoever hunts deer without the forester…” warns against proceeding without understanding relationship dynamics or communication skills, emphasizing the importance of learning about healthy relationships. “Six in the Fourth Place: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union…” suggests that despite disconnections (perhaps due to different backgrounds or communication styles), active effort toward understanding and connection will bring success. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Difficulties in blessing…” highlights that moderate persistence in addressing issues is beneficial while excessive pushing can be harmful—respecting each other’s pace and boundaries is important. “Top Six: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow” warns about the emotional pain of relationship breakdown if initial challenges aren’t properly addressed. Overall, the Zhūn hexagram advises them to expect initial awkwardness, build a strong foundation, seek relationship wisdom, work actively on connection, respect each other’s boundaries, and address issues promptly, thus navigating the challenging beginning stages of relationship successfully.