Accept the Tempering of Setbacks, and the Harvest Will Be Abundant: Insights from the I Ching Hexagrams Shi He and Feng
On the path of life and career development, no one can bypass setbacks and go straight to success. In the I Ching, Shi He (Hexagram 21) and Feng (Hexagram 55) form a highly practical pair of complementary hexagrams.
The two are counterparts formed by the reversal of their inner and outer trigrams, revealing a profound formula for success:
Education through setbacks → Growth in ability → Conditions ripen → Abundant harvest
I. Shi He Hexagram: Life’s “Class in Setback Education”
“Shi He” means to bite through something hard, symbolizing breaking through obstacles, confronting difficulties, and correcting mistakes.
It tells us: Setbacks are not failure; they are a required course for growth.
1. Early Stage: The Price of Not Listening to Advice
From “feet fastened in the stocks so the toes disappear” to “biting dried meat and losing the nose,” this symbolizes real-world blows suffered due to stubbornness and impulsiveness. This is the most common stage in life: making mistakes, getting hurt, hitting walls.
These pains are not punishment, but:
- A reminder from reality
- The beginning of experience
- The starting point of maturity
2. Middle Stage: Learn from a Setback, Gain a Lesson
“Biting dried meat and encountering poison” symbolizes lessons brought by wrong choices. But the I Ching emphasizes: “Small regret, no blame.”
As long as you can learn from failure, setbacks become valuable experience.
3. Later Stage: Hard Struggle Brings a Turning Point
From “obtaining a bronze arrowhead” to “obtaining yellow gold,” this symbolizes that persistence and effort finally bring rewards.
Those who have endured hardship are often better able to seize opportunities. Because they already possess:
- Resilience
- Judgment
- Real-world experience
4. Ultimate Warning: The Danger of Arrogance and Stubbornness
The top line warns: If you still refuse to reflect and remain obstinate, you will ultimately pay a greater price.
The value of setbacks lies in reflection, not in repeating mistakes.
II. Feng Hexagram: The Conditions for Success and Abundance
After the trials of Shi He, life enters the Feng hexagram stage. “Feng” symbolizes brightness, prosperity, peak, and harvest.
But the I Ching emphasizes: Success requires conditions.
1. The First Condition of Success: Meet the Right People
The first line of Feng points out:
Meeting like-minded partners is the starting point of career success.
Success is never achieved alone.
2. The Second Condition of Success: Confidence and Credit
“Having sincerity brings forth brilliance; good fortune.”
Confidence and credibility are the law of attraction for wealth and opportunity.
- Trust brings cooperation
- Cooperation brings resources
- Resources bring opportunities
3. The Third Condition of Success: Seize Opportunities from Benefactors
“Meeting one’s ruler of equal standing; good fortune.”
At critical moments in life, benefactors often appear. The key is:
Whether you are already prepared.
4. The Fourth Condition of Success: Celebration and Harvest
“Achievements arrive; there is celebration and praise; good fortune.”
After long-term effort, success and recognition come naturally.
5. The Ultimate Reminder of Success: Prosperity Cannot Lack Popular Support
The top line of Feng offers a profound warning:
Wealth alone, without people’s hearts, is not true success.
True abundance must include:
- Popular support
- Reputation
- Virtue
- Influence
III. Shi He → Feng: The Complete Path to Success
| Stage | Hexagram | Life Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shi He Hexagram | Encounter setbacks and lessons |
| 2 | Shi He Hexagram | Learn and grow |
| 3 | Feng Hexagram | Conditions gradually mature |
| 4 | Feng Hexagram | Welcome success and harvest |
This is the path every successful person has walked:
First hardship, then sweetness. First difficulty, then ease.
IV. I Ching Principles of Success
- Setbacks are not failure—they are education
- Experience is more important than talent
- Credibility is worth more than ability
- People’s hearts are more precious than wealth
- Success is the result of long-term preparation
Conclusion: Without Shi He, There Is No Feng
The Shi He and Feng hexagrams tell us:
Life’s difficulties are the necessary path to abundance.
When you are going through setbacks, remember:
You are on the road to an abundant harvest.
Click this to see all 28 Pairs of Hexagrams that Swapped Inner and Outer Trigrams To Become The Other One
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