51. The Arousing
Zhèn — Shock / Thunder
Trigrams
The Judgment
Shock brings success. Shock comes — oh, oh! Laughing words — ha, ha! The shock terrifies for a hundred miles, and he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.
The Image
Thunder upon thunder — repeated shock. The wise person, in fear and trembling, sets their life in order and examines themselves.
Interpretation
A sudden shock strikes — frightening at first, but ultimately beneficial. Thunder clears the air, shakes loose what is stagnant, and awakens what has been asleep. The initial terror gives way to laughter when you realize the shock has not harmed you but woken you up. The key is to maintain your composure during the shock (not dropping the sacrificial implements) and then use the cleared energy to examine and reorganize your life.
Advice
A shock is coming or has arrived. Don't panic — it's ultimately beneficial. Maintain your composure and your principles during the initial impact. Then use the cleared energy to examine your life and set things in order.
Consult the I Ching for your own question
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