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Darkening of the Light

明夷 (Míng Yí)

Hexagram #36

Hexagram Structure

Yang Line

Yin Line

Yang Line

Yin Line

Upper Trigram

Earth

Lower Trigram

Fire

Core Essence

Keywords

adversityconcealmentperseveranceinner light

Meaning

Represents times of adversity when one must conceal their light but maintain inner brightness.

Guidance

Hide your talents during difficult times but maintain your inner light and integrity.

Classical Texts

Judgment

Darkening of the Light. In adversity it furthers one to be persevering.

明夷：利艰贞。

Image

The light has sunk into the earth: the image of Darkening of the Light. Thus does the superior man live with the great mass: he veils his light, yet still shines.

明入地中，明夷；君子以莅众，用晦而明。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Darkening of the Light hexagram warns us to maintain light in darkness. 'Ming Yi' means light being injured, like solar or lunar eclipses. Wen Tianxiang writing 'Since ancient times, who has not died? Let me leave a loyal heart to illuminate history' in Yuan prison embodies the spirit of Ming Yi. The Ming Yi hexagram teaches us: even in the darkest times, we must maintain inner light.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Earth Lower Trigram: Fire **Judgment Analysis:** Darkening of the Light. In adversity it furthers one to be persevering. 明夷：利艰贞。 **Image Wisdom:** The light has sunk into the earth: the image of Darkening of the Light. Thus does the superior man live with the great mass: he veils his light, yet still shines. 明入地中，明夷；君子以莅众，用晦而明。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Darkening of the Light can guide us: • Hide your talents during difficult times but maintain your inner light and integrity. • Keywords: adversity, concealment, perseverance, inner light • Core Concept: Represents times of adversity when one must conceal their light but maintain inner brightness.

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