 | Strength of Greatness | |
| Upper Trigram: | Chen, Thunderclap, Movement | |
| Lower Trigram: | Ch'ien, Creative Principle, Heaven | |
| Governing Ruler: | Nine in the fourth place | |
The Image
The trigram representing heaven, and above it that for thunder; these form Ta Chuang. The superior man, in accordance with this, does not take a step which is not according to propriety.
Miscellaneous Signs
While P'i and T'ai their different scopes prefer, Ta Chuang stops here as right; withdraws Tun there.
The Judgement
Ta Chuang indicates that under the conditions it symbolises, it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
See also: Ta Chuan - Section 2, Chapter II-11.
Commentary
In Ta Chuang we see that which is great, becoming strong. We have the inner trigram, denoting strength, directing the outer, denoting movement; and hence the whole hexagram is expressive of vigour.
'Ta Chuang indicates that it will be advantageous to be firm and correct': that which is great should be correct. Given correctness and greatness in the highest degree, the character and tendencies of heaven and earth can be seen.
In Ta Chuang we see that which is great, becoming strong. We have the inner trigram, denoting strength, directing the outer, denoting movement; and hence the whole hexagram is expressive of vigour.
'Ta Chuang indicates that it will be advantageous to be firm and correct': that which is great should be correct. Given correctness and greatness in the highest degree, the character and tendencies of heaven and earth can be seen.
The Lines and commentaries
Bottom nine
Showing its subject manifesting his strength in his toes. But advance will lead to evil, - most certainly!
'He manifests his vigour in his toes': this will certainly lead to exhaustion.
Nine in the second placeWith firm correctness there will be good fortune.
'With firm correctness there will be good fortune': due to its being in the centre, and its subject exemplifying the due mean.
Nine in the third placeShowing, in the case of a small man, one using all his strength; and in the case of a superior man, one whose rule is not to do so. Even with firm correctness the position would be perilous. The exercise of strength in it may be compared to the case of a ram butting against a fence and getting his horns entangled.
'Small men use all their strength; in the case of the superior man it is his rule not to do so.
Nine in the fourth placeShowing a case in which firm correctness leads to good fortune, and occasion for repentance disappears. We see the fence opened without the horns being entangled. The strength is like that in the wheel-spokes of a large wagon.
'The fence is opened and the horns are not entangled': the subject of it still advances.
Six in the fifth placeShowing its subject losing his ram-like strength in the ease of his position. But there will be no occasion for repentance.
'He loses his ram-like strength and hardly perceives it': because he is not in his appropriate place.
Top-most sixThe ram butting against the fence, and unable either to retreat, or to advance as he would fain to do. There will not be advantage in any respect; but if he realise the difficulty in his position, there will be good fortune.
'He is unable either to retreat or advance': owing to his want of care.
'If he realise the difficulty in his position, there will be good fortune': his error will not be prolongued.
'If he realise the difficulty in his position, there will be good fortune': his error will not be prolongued.
 1. Ch'ien Creative Principle |  2. K'un Passive Principle |  3. Chun Initial Difficulties |  4. Meng Youthful Inexperience |  5. Hsü Delay |  6. Sung Conflict |  7. Shih The Army |  8. Pi Seeking Unity |  9. Hsiao Ch'u Minor Restraint |  10. Lü Treading carefully |  11. T'ai Peace |  12. P'i Stagnation |  13. T'ung Jen Companionship |  14. Ta Yu Great Possessions |  15. Ch'ien Modesty |  16. Yü Enthusiasm |  17. Sui Allegiance |  18. Ku Arresting Decay |  19. Lin Approaching |  20. Kuan Contemplation |  21. Shih Ho Biting through |  22. Pi Grace |  23. Po Disintegration |  24. Fu The Turning Point |  25. Wu Wang Innocence |  26. Ta Ch'u Restraining Force |  27. I Nourishment |  28. Ta Kuo Excess |  29. K'an The Abyss |  30. Li Clinging Brightness |  31. Hsieh Influence |  32. Heng Endurance |  33. Tun Withdrawal | 34. Ta Chuang Strength of Greatness |  35. Chin Progress |  36. Ming I Sinking Light |  37. Chia Jen The Family |  38. K'uei Opposition |  39. Chien Obstacles |  40. Hsieh Deliverance |  41. Sun Decrease |  42. I Increase |  43. Kuai Resolution |  44. Kou Coming on |  45. Ts'ui Congregation |  46. Sheng Moving upward |  47. K'un Exhaustion |  48. Ching The Well |  49. Ko Revolution |  50. Ting The Cauldron |  51. Chen Thunderclap |  52. Ken Inaction |  53. Chien Gradual Progress |  54. Kuei Mei Marriageable Maiden |  55. Feng Abundance |  56. Lü The Wanderer |  57. Sun Gentle Penetration |  58. Tui Joy |  59. Huan Dispersal |  60. Chien Restraint |  61. Cung Fu Inner Truth |  62. Hsiao Kuo Small Excess |  63. Chi Chi Completion and After |  64. Wei Chi Before Completion |