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If you have needs, others also have needs!
It's like hoarding more than you can and becoming rich and wealthy, causing others to envy, envy, and plot against you!
It's like suddenly one day, three uninvited guests came into the house: they wanted to borrow some money!
In this case, it is best to respond, respond, and resolve risks in a humble and reverent manner, so that there will be no negative consequences!
Although a small amount of money is lost, there will be no big loss: no worries about life!
Especially in a game with zero-sum rules, you should not be greedy blindly, causing others to bear grudges, and not knowing the power of kindness and justice will only bring disaster.
Grasp, check, and control the desires in your heart!)
It's like hoarding more than you can and becoming rich and wealthy, causing others to envy, envy, and plot against you!
It's like suddenly one day, three uninvited guests came into the house: they wanted to borrow some money!
In this case, it is best to respond, respond, and resolve risks in a humble and reverent manner, so that there will be no negative consequences!
Although a small amount of money is lost, there will be no big loss: no worries about life!
Especially in a game with zero-sum rules, you should not be greedy blindly, causing others to bear grudges, and not knowing the power of kindness and justice will only bring disaster.
Grasp, check, and control the desires in your heart!)
If conditions permit, if you want to drink some wine and enjoy some happiness, it is legitimate and auspicious!
The desire and need to drink for pleasure is legitimate and auspicious. But in a fair and reasonable way.)
The desire and need to drink for pleasure is legitimate and auspicious. But in a fair and reasonable way.)
You can adapt to and pursue the indispensable needs for your deepest wishes and desires, just like the indispensable needs of blood for the body.)
Some needs, such as greed and greed for profit, are unreal needs. It will drag people into the quagmire! It may even lead to disputes and chaos!
Not examining and examining every desire you have, and allowing yourself to be led by desire and greed will eventually lead to disaster!
This is the disaster caused by my own greed, greed, lack of caution and lack of respect!
Don’t be greedy!)
Not examining and examining every desire you have, and allowing yourself to be led by desire and greed will eventually lead to disaster!
This is the disaster caused by my own greed, greed, lack of caution and lack of respect!
Don’t be greedy!)
Although it is troublesome and cumbersome to meet loose and sporadic requirements, it is understandable.
Just like three meals a day, trivial daily needs. If you do your duty well, it will be auspicious in the end.
We are born as human beings, and when we deal with others and deal with things, we can only behave and do things honestly. It finally pays off, auspicious.)
Just like three meals a day, trivial daily needs. If you do your duty well, it will be auspicious in the end.
We are born as human beings, and when we deal with others and deal with things, we can only behave and do things honestly. It finally pays off, auspicious.)
For long-term needs, we should plan for the long term. No fault.
For long-term needs, one should not be too ambitious.
There is nothing wrong with formulating a practical long-term plan, implementing it consistently, taking action, and moving towards the goal. This is common practice.)
For long-term needs, one should not be too ambitious.
There is nothing wrong with formulating a practical long-term plan, implementing it consistently, taking action, and moving towards the goal. This is common practice.)
Hexagra Sequence
Hexagram Note:
Necessity: Represents patience and the need for proper timing. It advises cultivating inner strength, nurturing resources, and waiting for the right moment to act.
Hexagram 5 – Xū (Waiting / Needing)
Judgment
Xū: There is sincerity.
Radiant success.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
It is favorable to cross the great river.
Commentary on the Judgment (Tuàn)
Xū means “to wait”; danger lies ahead.
The firm and vigorous does not sink—its meaning is that it does not fall into distress.
“Waiting with sincerity, radiant success, perseverance brings good fortune”
—because one dwells in the position of Heaven, upright and central.
“It is favorable to cross the great river”
—going forward brings achievement.
Commentary on the Image (Xiàng)
“Clouds rise up into the heavens”—this is Waiting.
The noble one, seeing this,
takes food and drink with calm enjoyment.
Details：
The hexagram image of the Need hexagram is that there is a Kan hexagram above the Qian hexagram. The Kan hexagram symbolizes water and clouds, and the Qian hexagram symbolizes the way of heaven and the sky. There are clouds in the sky and there is a need for rain.
The Kan hexagram also symbolizes danger, and the Qian hexagram below represents masculinity and the desire for legal action. The Qian hexagram below represents the basic needs of life in this world.
So although there are risks ahead, you still have to take some necessary risks to obtain necessary living facilities and food.
This is the so-called kindness of heaven and earth, which does not trap living beings. Therefore, for the sake of basic life, you can take some risks to pursue: benefit from the great rivers.
People who have this hexagram, if it is for justice and basic needs, can boldly take some measures, plan carefully, and implement them cautiously and firmly, they will definitely achieve success in the future! And you can enjoy the fruits of your labor as a matter of course.
Use Case：
Hexagram Xu (需): The Road of Demand Decisions for an Entrepreneur
Initial Line Nine: "Demand in the suburbs, use perseverance, no blame."
Explanation: After graduating from university, Wang Lei chose to start a business in the suburbs, opening a small processing factory. At this stage, what he needed most was patience and persistence. He, like waiting in the suburbs for the right time, did not rush into the highly competitive urban market but focused on improving product quality and production efficiency. This wisdom of "demanding in the suburbs" allowed him to avoid the early market risks and laid the foundation for future development.
Line Nine Two: "Demand in the sand, small words, ultimately auspicious."
Explanation: As his business gradually stabilized, Wang Lei began expanding into the market. At this stage, he faced various doubts and challenges, much like walking on sand—difficult but ultimately successful. He patiently answered customer inquiries, took every piece of feedback seriously, and gradually built a good market reputation. Correctly handling disputes during development is an essential path for business growth.
Line Nine Three: "Demand in the mud, causing bandits to arrive."
Explanation: During the company's rapid development phase, Wang Lei encountered a shortage of funds. This "demanding in the mud" situation put him at risk of being overtaken by competitors. He decisively introduced strategic investors, though it diluted some of his shares, but he gained the much-needed development capital. At crucial moments, one must know how to make sacrifices, using temporary concessions to secure long-term development.
Line Six Four: "Demand in blood, emerging from the cave."
Explanation: When the industry underwent significant changes, Wang Lei realized that a transformation and upgrade were necessary. At this stage, he needed the determination of "demanding in blood," diving deep into industry pain points and developing innovative products. He led his team in intensive efforts, and they eventually launched a revolutionary product, successfully seizing the market opportunity. When facing industry changes, one must have the courage to burn bridges and push forward with bold determination.
Line Nine Five: "Demand in food and drink, perseverance brings good fortune."
Explanation: After the company went public, Wang Lei began to focus on corporate culture development. He understood that what was needed most at this stage was the "food and drink" warmth to help employees feel a sense of belonging. He improved employee benefits, established a comprehensive training system, and cultivated a loyal and efficient team. When a company reaches a certain stage, cultural development becomes more important than material incentives.
Upper Line Six: "Entering the cave, three unexpected guests arrive; treat them respectfully, and in the end, it will be auspicious."
Explanation: After becoming an industry leader, Wang Lei faced new challenges: emerging enterprises catching up and competition from international giants. He adopted an open attitude and established strategic partnerships with competitors, jointly developing new markets. This wisdom of "treating them respectfully" allowed the company to maintain its leading position in intense competition. When facing challenges, cooperation is often wiser than confrontation.
Wang Lei’s entrepreneurial journey proves the wisdom of Hexagram Xu: At different stages of life, the emphasis on demand changes. The key lies in accurately judging the most urgent demand at the current stage and making the right trade-offs. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, patience and accumulation are required; in the development phase, breakthroughs are necessary; and in the mature phase, openness and cooperation are crucial. Hexagram Xu tells us that the secret to success is not in fulfilling all demands but in satisfying the most critical demands at the right time. This wisdom of demand applies not only to entrepreneurship but also serves as a guide for everyone’s survival and development in society.
Life,Health：
Deep Exploration of Applying the Wisdom and Strategies of I Ching Hexagram 5 — Xu (Waiting, Water over Heaven, Kan above Qian below) — to Physical and Mental Health, Daily Wellness, and Spiritual Regulation
1. Overview of the Hexagram Image: Water Above Heaven, Moisture Not Yet Fallen, Quietly Waiting for the Right Time
Hexagram name: Xu (需) — originally means waiting, nurturing, needing nourishment.
Hexagram image:
Upper trigram: Kan (Water)
Lower trigram: Qian (Heaven)
→ Water above heaven, not yet falling as rain, symbolizes resources not yet arrived, timing not yet ripe, requiring quiet waiting for fulfillment.
Health and wellness metaphor:
Water represents the kidneys, which store essence → Xu emphasizes conserving essence and nourishing vitality;
Qian represents heaven, Qi, and Yang → symbolizes vital energy and life’s active principle;
Water above not descending suggests internal Qi flow is not smooth, body fluids are not circulating well, vital energy is not distributed — thus wellness requires “waiting, regulating, and preparing.”
2. Key Phrases of the Hexagram and Their Health Implications
Xu: “Have faith, bright success, perseverance brings good fortune, beneficial to cross great rivers.”
Original phrase Health meaning Wellness strategy
Xu (需) Rest, wait, prepare Gradual recovery from illness, avoid impatience
You Fu (有孚) Inner truth, faith Persist in long-term care, trust body's self-healing
Guang Heng (光亨) Smooth, flowing Harmonize Qi and blood, maintain good diet & sleep
Zhen Ji (贞吉) Integrity, stability Regular lifestyle and emotional stability ensure health
Li She Da Chuan (利涉大川) Able to face challenges Accumulate enough energy to overcome illness
📌 Core meaning: The health wisdom of Xu is — “nurture by stillness, conserve before release, harmonize Qi, maintain consistency for results.”
3. Six Yao Lines: Six Stages of the Health/Nurturing Process
The six lines of Xu can be viewed as six steps or levels in body regulation and health management:
Line Position Line Text Health Tip
Initial Nine (初九) “Waiting in the outskirts, perseverance brings no fault.” Early stage: illness just emerging, gentle regulation needed, perseverance in daily routine
Nine Two (九二) “Waiting on the sand, some words, eventual good.” Mild discomfort: body signals to heed, manage emotions and diet carefully
Nine Three (九三) “Waiting in the mud, bringing robbers.” Warning stage: increased disease risk, intervene timely to avoid infection
Six Four (六四) “Waiting in blood, coming out of a cave.” Healing stage: body detoxes by sweating, expelling cold; don’t fear symptoms, follow nature
Nine Five (九五) “Waiting with food and drink, perseverance brings good.” Recovery: proper diet aids healing, organs harmonize, Qi and blood regenerate
Top Six (上六) “Entering the cave, uninvited guests come, three arrive, respect them, eventual good.” Sudden risk: relapse or sudden illness, remain calm and cautious for good outcome
4. Five Major Health Wisdoms and Strategies
“Waiting” means conserving and storing
Corresponds to Traditional Chinese Medicine’s principle of “nourishing Yin in autumn/winter, nourishing Yang in spring/summer.”
Avoid depletion of vital energy, especially from staying up late, emotional turmoil, and overwork.
Suggestions: Meditative sitting before bed, moderation in desires, nourish kidneys and essence.
“Have faith” means trust and rhythm
Trust the body’s innate wisdom and self-regulation mechanisms.
Maintain regular lifestyle rhythms — diet, sleep, exercise, mental health.
Suggestions: Sleep early and rise early, moderate exercise (Tai Chi, Baduanjin), avoid anxiety.
“Bright success” means smooth Qi flow
Disease arises from Qi stagnation, health comes from Qi flowing freely.
Promote breath regulation (breathing exercises, abdominal breathing), emotional openness, regular bowel movements, and sweating.
Suggestions: Gentle morning movements, Qi adjustment and lung strengthening, keep a relaxed mind.
“Integrity and stability” mean steady and consistent
Stable internal and external environment is foundational for health.
Maintain reverence and awareness of limits, avoid excessive or reckless actions or remedies.
Suggestions: Keep a balanced mind, eat moderately, balance activity and rest.
“Crossing great rivers” means facing difficulty without fear
In case of severe illness, do not panic or resort to chaotic treatments.
Integrate traditional Chinese and Western medicine, psychological support, family assistance for holistic healing.
Suggestions: In serious stages, establish a “trust–hope–support” triad.
5. Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions: Xu’s Positive Mental Adjustment
Aspect Wisdom from Xu Application
Emotion management Faith and integrity Build emotional stability, control irritability and anxiety
Stress regulation Wait without impatience Learn to relieve external pressures, remain calm and unmoved
Spiritual nourishment Stillness before action Practice meditation regularly to enhance vitality and spirit
Willpower growth Crossing great rivers Cultivate resilience and composure in adversity
Inner security Water above heaven will eventually moisten Trust that the right time will come; avoid harmful rash actions
6. Summary: The Health Wisdom of Xu Is “Persistent Waiting Without Losing Order, Accumulating Without Disorder”
In brief:
Xu teaches us that health is not about rushing but about steadfast belief, correct methods, and stable rhythms—patiently waiting for the body and mind to naturally return to harmony.