Why the hidden dragon is not used
Original excerpt
潛龍勿用。The hidden dragon is paired with restraint, and the Small Image explains yang below. A modern reading examines capacity not yet fitted for use. Qian does not uniformly recommend immediate action; its fifth and top lines differ.
The mare is not mere weakness
Original excerpt
利牝馬之貞。Kun’s mare combines receptivity with sustained movement and direction. Its contrast between being lost in advance and finding a fitting course concerns cooperation, not unconditional obedience.
Why the yellow garment is favorable
Original excerpt
黃裳元吉。Traditional commentary connects the central color and lower garment to centered modesty. The image can illustrate substance without self-exaltation; a yellow item of clothing is not a mechanism for good fortune.
Sources and further reading
Explanations are written by this site; original excerpts are labeled separately. See the source catalogue for editions and scope.
Reviewed: 2026-10-09