Max I Ching LogoI CHING ONLINE
Back to Hexagrams
☷

Modesty

谦 (Qiān)

Hexagram #15

Hexagram Structure

6
Yin Line
5
Yin Line
4
Yang Line
3
Yin Line
2
Yin Line
1
Yin Line

Upper Trigram

Earth

Lower Trigram

Mountain

Core Essence

Keywords

humilitymodestybalancewisdom

Meaning

Represents the virtue of modesty and humility that leads to true success.

Guidance

Practice humility and modesty. True greatness comes from genuine humility.

Classical Texts

Judgment

Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through.

谦：亨，君子有终。

Image

Within the earth, a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much, and augments that which is too little.

地中有山，谦；君子以裒多益寡，称物平施。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Modesty hexagram is the only one in the I Ching where all six lines are auspicious. 'The modest gentleman, humble in self-cultivation' emphasizes the virtue of humility. Confucius said 'Pride brings loss, humility brings benefit,' reflecting the wisdom of the Qian hexagram. Throughout history, those who maintained humility often achieved lasting success. The Qian hexagram teaches us: no matter how great our achievements, we must maintain a humble attitude to continue progressing and earn others' respect.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Earth Lower Trigram: Mountain **Judgment Analysis:** Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through. 谦：亨，君子有终。 **Image Wisdom:** Within the earth, a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much, and augments that which is too little. 地中有山，谦；君子以裒多益寡，称物平施。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Modesty can guide us: • Practice humility and modesty. True greatness comes from genuine humility. • Keywords: humility, modesty, balance, wisdom • Core Concept: Represents the virtue of modesty and humility that leads to true success.

Chat with AI Master

Explore the wisdom of Modesty hexagram with our AI I Ching master