Hexagrams that Embody Harmony and Alignment with Natural Order

The I Ching, in its entirety, is a map of the Tao—the Way of nature and the underlying principle of cosmic order. Its system of 64 hexagrams, seen as a “strict norm” underlying changing situations and reflecting co-ordinations found in nature, provides a framework for understanding the universe. However, certain hexagrams stand out as particularly potent embodiments of harmony, balance, and profound alignment with this natural order. These hexagrams often depict a seamless interplay of Yin and Yang, appropriate positioning of forces, and conditions where life unfolds smoothly and beneficially. Studying them can provide us with a clearer vision of what it means to live in accord with the Tao, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom for cultivating these states in our own lives. The Yijing completes the “wen” (patterns) of Heaven-and-Earth, and its hexagrams can be seen as symbols representing the totality of universal functions and the alchemical transmutation of yin and yang forces.

1. Hexagram 11, 泰 (Tài) - Peace (Harmony)

• Symbolism: Heaven (☰ Qián, the Creative) is below, and Earth (☷ Kūn, the Receptive) is above. This might seem counterintuitive, but it symbolizes a perfect state of interaction and harmony. Heaven tends to rise and Earth tends to sink, thus their energies move toward each other. This image of convergence is described as “altogether favorable,” signifying “the beginning of the union and development of all things.”
• Embodiment of Tao: Tài represents the Tao in a state of dynamic, productive balance. Conditions are in harmony, forces are aligned, and conducive for well-being. It’s a time when all things are in their right place, communication flows freely between different realms (heavenly/spiritual and earthly/material), and there is unimpeded movement and growth. Small investments can yield big returns due to these harmonious conditions. The combination of Hexagram 1 (Qian) and Hexagram 2 (Kun) is said to produce this harmony.
• Lesson for Alignment: Strive for situations where there is mutual receptivity and creative interplay. Cultivate openness to allow different energies to meet and enrich each other. The key to continued success is balance, striving for order, routine, and diversity. “Harmonious action” and the enactment of “harmonious spirals” are encouraged.

2. Hexagram 2, 坤 (Kūn) - The Receptive (Earth)

• Symbolism: Composed entirely of Yin lines (☷ over ☷), Kūn represents the ultimate principle of receptivity, yielding, devotion, and the nurturing power of the Earth. It embodies rest and acceptance.
• Embodiment of Tao: Kūn embodies the divine Yin aspect of the Tao—the quiet, immensely powerful capacity to receive, sustain, and complete. Its pattern is characterized by a “Simple flow of activity, unquestioning, accepts everything, resting in the flowing juice of life.” Its alignment with the Tao lies in its perfect responsiveness and its ability to follow the initiatives of Heaven (Qián) without deviation. It is linked to moderation and seeking the right place.
• Lesson for Alignment: Cultivate deep receptivity, patience, and the strength found in yielding. Understand that true power often lies not in assertion but in providing steadfast support and allowing things to unfold in their natural time.

3. Hexagram 31, 咸 (Xián) - Influence (Reciprocity, Mutual Accord)

• Symbolism: Composed of the Dui (soft and yielding, youngest daughter) trigram above and the Gen (hard and strong, youngest son) trigram below. This represents the universal attraction of the sexes as a source of stimulation, where the interaction of these forces (qi) stimulates and responds, leading to joining together.
• Embodiment of Tao: Xián is a prime example of the Yijing’s psychological orientation, embodying the exchange of force and information, and the interaction and harmony between them. Such interaction can be found in everything. The mutual stimulation of Heaven and Earth is seen as the source of creation, and the sage stimulating human hearts and minds brings world peace. It is associated with the power to attract and amplify.
• Lesson for Alignment: Recognize and cultivate the power of mutual influence and genuine responsiveness in relationships and endeavors. Understand that sincere interaction, like the natural attraction between complementary forces, is a source of creation and harmony.

4. Hexagram 8, 比 (Bǐ) - Holding Together (Union, Closeness, Assembly, Alliances)

• Symbolism: Water (☵ Kǎn) is above Earth (☷ Kūn). Water on the surface of the earth naturally clings to it and flows with its contours, seeking union. This hexagram speaks of a natural coming together around a central, worthy figure or principle. It represents coming together to find one’s proper place and symbolizes a well-ordered social organization.
• Embodiment of Tao: Bǐ represents the Tao in its aspect of natural affinity and harmonious association, describing a state where a happy union prevails between sovereign and ministers, leading to “Unity, coalescence, good fortune.” True union is not forced but arises from mutual attraction, shared purpose, and trust. It results from the spontaneous effect of moderation (as in Hexagram 2, Kun). The judgment speaks of sublimity, constancy, and perseverance, qualities that draw in even those who waver.
• Lesson for Alignment: Seek and cultivate relationships and communities based on genuine connection and shared values. If you are in a leadership position, strive to be a trustworthy and inspiring center. Aligning with the Tao involves fostering harmonious, supportive connections and understanding one’s role within a larger, well-ordered system.

5. Hexagram 14, 大有 (Dà Yǒu) - Possession in Great Measure

• Symbolism: Fire (☲ Lí) is above Heaven (☰ Qián). The clarity of fire illuminating the strength of heaven suggests a powerful and well-ordered possession.
• Embodiment of Tao: This hexagram is associated with bringing about a state of peace and harmony by encouraging good. It represents supreme success, wealth, many blessings, and a great harvest, linked to aligning oneself with Heaven’s Will.
• Lesson for Alignment: When in a position of abundance or influence, use your resources and clarity to promote good and maintain harmony. True “great possession” aligns with higher principles and benefits the collective.

6. Hexagram 22, 賁 (Bì) - Grace (Adornment, Elegance)

• Symbolism: Mountain (☶ Gèn) is below, Fire (☲ Lí) is above. The light of fire illuminates the mountain, beautifying it. This hexagram suggests finding reality in small external things and a harmonious approach to life. It has an innate symmetry and balance of elder yin and elder yang lines, suggesting stability and alignment. The lower trigram (Fire) aligns well with the innate qi of the lower line positions.
• Embodiment of Tao: Bì represents the beauty and order that arise from natural form and appropriate adornment. It suggests harmony achieved through clarity, resting in the proper place, and reordering personal affairs with grace.
• Lesson for Alignment: Seek beauty and order in simplicity and naturalness. Cultivate clear-mindedness and find your proper place. Actions like giving way, allowing passage, knowing one’s strength, and not quarreling reflect this harmonious state.

7. Hexagram 61, 中孚 (Zhōng Fú) - Inner Truth (Sincere Trust)

• Symbolism: Wind (☴ Xùn) is above Lake (☱ Duì). The image is of wind moving over the surface of a lake, stirring it but also reflecting its depths. The hexagram’s structure (empty in the center, with firm lines above and below) symbolizes an open and sincere heart.
• Embodiment of Tao: Zhōng Fú represents alignment with the Tao through profound sincerity and authenticity. When one’s inner core is true and open, it has a powerful, natural influence that can move even the most difficult elements. This is the harmony that arises from being utterly genuine.
• Lesson for Alignment: Cultivate unwavering inner sincerity. Align your thoughts, words, and actions. Trust in the power of your authentic self to create genuine connection and positive influence. This inner alignment naturally resonates with the Tao.

8. Hexagram 15, 謙 (Qiān) - Modesty (Humility)

• Symbolism: Earth (☷ Kūn) is above, and Mountain (☶ Gèn) is below. A high mountain humbly places itself beneath the low earth. This is the image of true modesty—strength and capability that do not need to assert themselves ostentatiously.
• Embodiment of Tao: Qiān embodies the Taoist virtue of humility. The Tao itself is vast and powerful yet operates unobtrusively. Modesty allows one to remain balanced, to be open to learning, and to attract support and cooperation. It is a state of natural equilibrium that avoids the pitfalls of arrogance and excess. The “superior person” carries things through to completion by being modest.
• Lesson for Alignment: Cultivate genuine humility. Recognize your strengths but also your limitations. Value the contributions of others and approach life with a willingness to learn and adapt. This naturally aligns you with the balanced way of the Tao.

9. Hexagram 48, 井 (Jǐng) - The Well

• Symbolism: Wood (☴ Xùn) is below Water (☵ Kǎn). This depicts a wooden bucket drawing water from a well. The well is a constant, reliable source of life-giving nourishment for the community. Its form may change (the town may move), but the well itself, as a source, remains.
• Embodiment of Tao: Jǐng represents the Tao as an inexhaustible, unchanging source of sustenance and wisdom that is available to all. It symbolizes the deep, foundational aspects of life and community that provide consistent support and nourishment, regardless of superficial changes.
• Lesson for Alignment: Connect with your own inner “well”—your core values, innate wisdom, and sources of spiritual nourishment. In your community or work, strive to be a reliable and nurturing presence, contributing to the collective well-being from a deep and consistent source.

10. Hexagram 63, 既濟 (Jì Jì) - After Completion (Already Across)

• Symbolism: Water (☵ Kǎn) is above Fire (☲ Lí). This arrangement, with every line in its “correct” place (yang in odd, yin in even, and responsive to its correlate), symbolizes a state of perfect order and completion.
• Embodiment of Tao: Jì Jì describes a state where the transition from confusion to order is completed, and everything is in its proper place. It represents a moment of fulfillment and harmonious balance achieved. However, it also carries the caution that such perfect states are inherently unstable and require diligence to maintain, as change is constant.
• Lesson for Alignment: Strive for order and the proper placement of energies in your endeavors. Appreciate moments of completion and harmony, but remain mindful that vigilance is needed to maintain balance, as the Tao is a dynamic, not static, process.

Underlying Principles of Harmony in the I Ching

Beyond specific hexagrams, the I Ching’s very structure reflects principles of natural order and harmony:

• Mathematical Structure and Symmetry: The system of 64 hexagrams is fixed by mathematical law, allowing for a “perfect numerical representation.” Concepts like the balance of yin and yang lines, inherent symmetry within certain hexagrams (like Hexagram 22, Bi), and mathematically symmetrical arrangements (like the Xian Tian Ba Gong grid) are linked to harmonious states.
• Reflection of Natural Patterns and Cycles: The hexagrams and trigrams are associated with natural elements, seasons, lunar months, and solar terms, connecting them to the cycles and characteristics of the world, reflecting “common trends.”
• Line Relationships and Positions: Formal relationships within hexagrams, such as the second and fifth lines being “central” (中 - zhōng) and therefore often auspicious, contribute to understanding internal dynamics that lead to beneficial outcomes. When a line’s type (yin or yang) matches the innate qi of its position (even is yin, odd is yang), it is called “being in power,” suggesting the development of an event is following the Dao.

In contrast, hexagrams like Hexagram 12 (否 Pǐ - Standstill), where forces strive apart, or Hexagram 38 (睽 Kuí - Opposition), denoting division, illustrate states of disharmony, further highlighting by contrast what constitutes alignment.

These hexagrams and principles offer profound glimpses into what it means to live in harmony with the natural order. They are not just descriptions of ideal states but also invitations to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and our lives. By meditating on their imagery and reflecting on their counsel, we can learn to recognize the presence of the Tao and more consciously align our daily actions with its wise and life-affirming flow.