I-Ching Hexagram 53
漸 Development
Also known as Gradual Progress
A tree on a mountain grows slowly, shaped by its exposure. The figure praises patient, proper unfolding — no shortcuts, no precocity, no scandal.
gradual progress · development · unfolding
The Story
A crane hatched on a cliff learned, over months, to stand on one leg, then to spread her wings, then to glide, then — after a year — to fly the long migrations. Nothing was skipped; nothing was rushed. When she took a mate, she chose one who had also kept to his proper stages. Their chicks grew as they had grown. A hunter, watching the flock year after year, noted that cranes never seemed to crash or stray. "They do not grow fast," he told his son. "They grow correctly. Whatever you build, build the way a crane grows."
The Judgment
The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.
The Image
On the mountain, a tree: the image of development. Thus the superior person abides in dignity and virtue, in order to improve the mores.
Interpretation
A tree on a mountain grows slowly, shaped by its exposure. The figure praises patient, proper unfolding — no shortcuts, no precocity, no scandal. Great things mature at their own pace when the right forms are kept.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame. First steps; there will be criticism, but no real error.
- Second The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune. Settled progress; shared nourishment.
- Third The wild goose gradually draws near the plateau. The husband goes forth and does not return. The woman carries a child but does not bring it forth. Misfortune. It furthers one to fight off robbers. Progress where it should not go; a calamity whose causes can still be defended against.
- Fourth The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame. Finding a safe rest mid-flight; improvisation permitted.
- Fifth The wild goose gradually draws near the summit. For three years the woman has no child. In the end nothing can hinder her. Good fortune. Delay before fruition; eventually the fruit arrives.
- Sixth (Top) The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune. The completed ascent; the life's work becomes a symbol others can use.