The fourth line of the Qian in the I Ching (Book of Changes) is:
“Line 4: It may leap into the abyss, and there is no fault.”
In this translation, “It” refers to the dragon, which represents power and potential. “Leap into the abyss” symbolizes a bold move into an unknown or difficult situation. “And there is no fault” suggests that, when faced with such a choice, making such a leap is not a mistake or an error. This line encourages flexibility and adaptability, indicating that it’s okay to take risks and explore new territories, even if they seem dangerous or uncertain. It’s about finding the balance between cautiousness and boldness, and understanding that growth and progress often come through taking risks and embracing change.
The symbolic meaning of this line is that even though the dragon is powerful, it knows when to lurk in the abyss or leap out, depending on the situation. This reflects the wisdom of knowing when to advance and when to retreat, and flexibly adapting to environmental and contextual changes.
From a broader perspective, this line also teaches us that when facing challenges and opportunities in life, we should maintain a clear mind and respond flexibly according to the needs of the situation, without being stubborn or overly impulsive. Only by doing so can we maintain balance in this complex and changing world and avoid making mistakes.
The words of the fourth line of the Qian Gua, with their profound symbolic meanings and wise insights, guide us to maintain a flexible and adaptive attitude when facing challenges and opportunities in life, in order to achieve better personal development.