Breakthrough
夬 (Guài)
Hexagram #43
Hexagram Structure
Upper Trigram
Lake
Lower Trigram
Heaven
Core Essence
Keywords
Meaning
Represents the moment of breakthrough when determination and truth overcome obstacles.
Guidance
Speak the truth boldly. This is a time for breakthrough and decisive action.
Classical Texts
Judgment
Breakthrough. One must resolutely make the matter known at the court of the king. It must be announced truthfully. Danger. It is necessary to notify one's own city. It does not further to resort to arms. It furthers one to undertake something.
夬：扬于王庭，孚号，有厉，告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。
Image
The lake has risen up to heaven: the image of Breakthrough. Thus the superior man dispenses riches downward and refrains from resting on his virtue.
泽上于天，夬；君子以施禄及下，居德则忌。
Hexagram Story & Origin
The Breakthrough hexagram symbolizes decisive and resolute action. 'Guai' means decision and separation, like cutting through tangled threads with a sharp knife. Zhuge Liang tearfully executing Ma Su embodies the spirit of the Guai hexagram - righteousness over personal relationships, law enforcement like a mountain. The Guai hexagram teaches us: when decision is needed, be decisive, don't hesitate; sometimes being ruthless is a form of compassion.
Detailed Analysis
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