Hexagram 21
Bite, punish, remove obstacles
The wisdom of the Shi He hexagram is that it recognizes the necessity of "strength" and "rule of law." A harmonious society not only needs the enlightenment of spring breeze and rain, but also the majesty of thunder. Only by combining hardness and softness can we achieve long-term peace and stability.
Trigram Structure
䷔, Li above, Zhen below
Palace：震
Key Themes
Bite, punish, remove obstacles
The wisdom of the Shi He hexagram is that it recognizes the necessity of "strength" and "rule of law." A harmonious society not only needs the enlightenment of spring breeze and rain, but also the majesty of thunder. Only by combining hardness and softness can we achieve long-term peace and stability.
Shi He: Heng. Use prison.
Lightning and thunder, volcanic eruption.
Teeth, pliers, gavel, prison, scalpel.
The wisdom of the Shi He hexagram is that it recognizes the necessity of "strength" and "rule of law." A harmonious society not only needs the enlightenment of spring breeze and rain, but also the majesty of thunder. Only by combining hardness and softness can we achieve long-term peace and stability.
If you destroy your toes, there is no fault.
Guidance
Wearing fetters on the feet; just made a mistake, light punishment, no great harm.
Modern Insight
This is "small punishment, great warning." When problems first appear, measures must be taken immediately to give warning. Although this seems harsh, the purpose is to prevent small mistakes from becoming major disasters. Timely, light punishment is a form of protection.
It bites the skin and destroys the nose, no blame.
Guidance
Biting into soft skin, the nose sinks in. Although the punishment is somewhat excessive, there is no great fault.
Modern Insight
You are dealing with a relatively tricky problem; the other party's attitude is soft, but the problem itself is troublesome. You may have been somewhat too forceful in the process, but because your motive is pure—to solve the problem—the final result is acceptable.
Eat bacon and encounter poison. A little stinginess, no blame.
Guidance
Biting into a hard, tough piece of cured meat, and encountering poison. There will be some small trouble, but no great fault.
Modern Insight
You have encountered an old case that is very difficult to handle. The parties are stubborn, and the problem itself is complex. In the process, you will encounter resistance and backlash (encountering poison), making you feel troubled and somewhat embarrassed. But as long as you persist, you will eventually pass through.
Eat the stems and get the golden arrow. Good luck and good fortune.
Guidance
The task is arduous, but you can obtain a metal arrowhead; beneficial for maintaining the right path.
Modern Insight
You have taken on the hardest bone, the most difficult task. But precisely because of this, it also gives you the greatest power and sharp tools (golden arrow). This is a test of your ability; as long as you are not afraid of difficulties and persist to the end, you will surely succeed and receive rewards.
Eat dried meat and get gold. Honest and sharp, no blame.
Guidance
Handling problems like gnawing hard bones, obtaining gold; maintaining the right path brings no danger.
Modern Insight
You are in the ruler's position, handling a difficult case. Through your keen observation, you discover the truth and value behind the case (gold). As an arbiter, you must be fair and selfless, while always remaining vigilant; only then can you handle the problem perfectly.
He Xiao's ears are destroyed, which is bad.
Guidance
Deeply sinful, hearing impaired, there is danger.
Modern Insight
This refers to those who are extremely wicked and obstinate. They repeatedly refuse to reform and turn a deaf ear to all well-intentioned advice. Ultimately, they will receive the most severe punishment and fall into an irredeemable situation. This is the sternest warning of the Shi He hexagram.
