3. Chun

	Initial Difficulties
	Upper Trigram:	K'an, the Abyss, Water, Danger
	Lower Trigram:	Chen, Thunderclap, Movement
	Governing Rulers:	Bottom nine Nine in the fifth place

The Image
Clouds and thunder form Chun. The superior man, in accordance with this, adjusts his measures as in sorting the threads of the warp and weft.

Miscellaneous Signs
Chun manifests itself, yet keeps its place; 'Mid darkness still, to light Meng sets its face.

The Judgement
Chun indicates that in the case which it presupposes, there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. But any movement in advance should not be lightly undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

Commentary
In Chun we have the strong and the weak commencing their intercourse, and difficulties arising. Movement in the midst of peril gives rise to 'great progress and success through firm correctness'.
By the action of thunder (Chen) and rain (K'an), all between heaven and earth is filled up. But the condition of the time is full of irregularity and obscurity. Feudal princes should be established, but the feeling that rest and peace have been secured should not be indulged even then.

The Lines and commentaries
Bottom nine
There is difficulty in advancing. It will be advantageous to abide correct and firm; advantageous also to be made a feudal ruler.

Although there is 'difficulty in advancing', the subject's mind is set on doing what is correct. While noble, he humbles himself to the mean, and grandly gains the people.

Six in the second place
This line shows its subject as a lady distressed and obliged to return; even the horses of her chariot seem to be retreating. But not by a spoiler is she assailed, but by one who seeks her to be his wife. The young lady maintains her firm correctness, and declines a union. After ten years she will be united and have childeren.

The difficulty to the subject of this line arises from its resting on the strong line below. The 'union and children after ten years', shows things resuming their regular course.

Six in the third place
One following the deer without the guidance of the forester, and only finding himself in the midst of the forest. The superior man, acquainted with the secret risks, thinks it better to give up the chase. Going forward leads to regret.

'One pursues the deer without the guidance of the forester', and does so in one's eagerness to follow the game. 'The superior man gives up the chase, knowing that if he go forward he will regret it'; he would be reduced to extremity.

Six in the fourth place
This line shows its subject as a lady, the horses of whose chariot appear in retreat. She seeks, however, the help of him who seeks her to be his wife. Advance will be fortunate; all will turn out advantageously.

Going forward after such a search for help shows intelligence.

Nine in the fifth place
Difficulties in the way of its subject's dispensing the rich favours that might be expected from him. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune in small things; even with them, in great things there will be evil.

'Difficulty is experienced in bestowing his rich favours': the extend to which they reach will not yet be conspicuous.

Top-most six
The horses of his chariot are obliged to retreat, and he is weeping tears of blood in streams.

'He weeps tears of blood in streams': how can such a state continue long?