I-Ching Hexagram 18
蠱 Work on the Decayed
Also known as Correcting Corruption
Something has been rotting — often something inherited. The hexagram names the work of repair: diagnosing corruption, undoing what has gone stale, renewing the foundations.
decay · repair · inherited work
The Story
A grown son returned to his father's inn and found the roof sagging, the accounts falsified by an old steward, the regular guests drifting away. He did not curse his father's memory. He re-thatched the roof himself. He sat down with the steward and went through the books line by line, pardoning small thefts and dismissing him quietly for the large one. Slowly the inn returned. When his own son inherited it, he told him: "To honor a father is sometimes to repair what he could not. Do it without shame — his, or yours."
The Judgment
Supreme success. It furthers one to cross the great water. Before the starting point, three days. After the starting point, three days.
The Image
The wind blows low on the mountain: the image of decay. Thus the superior person stirs up the people and strengthens their spirit.
Interpretation
Something has been rotting — often something inherited. The hexagram names the work of repair: diagnosing corruption, undoing what has gone stale, renewing the foundations. Reflect carefully before and after the turning point; true repair is a campaign, not a single blow.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. If there is a son, no blame rests upon the departed father. Danger. In the end good fortune. Repairing an inheritance honours rather than accuses its source.
- Second Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother. One must not be too persevering. Repair with feeling; do not let correctness override love.
- Third Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. There will be a little remorse. No great blame. Vigorous repair leaves some bruises; acceptable.
- Fourth Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father. In continuing one sees humiliation. Postponing the work is itself a form of rot.
- Fifth Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. One meets with praise. Repair done with skill earns recognition.
- Sixth (Top) He does not serve kings and princes. Sets himself higher goals. To withdraw from public work in order to pursue the inner task — honoured when it is real.