Approach
临 (Lín)
Hexagram #19
Hexagram Structure
Upper Trigram
Earth
Lower Trigram
Lake
Core Essence
Keywords
Meaning
Represents a time of approach and advancement, with the responsibility to guide others.
Guidance
Take the initiative to approach and help others. Share your knowledge generously.
Classical Texts
Judgment
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
临：元亨利贞。至于八月有凶。
Image
The earth above the lake: the image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without limits in his tolerance and protection of the people.
地上有泽，临；君子以教思无穷，容保民无疆。
Hexagram Story & Origin
The Approach hexagram symbolizes a leader's prestige and responsibility. 'Lin' means to arrive or supervise, emphasizing that those in high positions should personally visit and understand the real situation. Ancient wise rulers had the tradition of traveling incognito among the people, embodying the spirit of the Lin hexagram. The Lin hexagram teaches us: true leaders must go deep into the grassroots, understand public sentiment, and lead by example. In modern management, this 'management by walking around' is equally important.
Detailed Analysis
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