Hexagram 22: Grace

Hexagram 22, Grace (Bì, 贲), is formed of the upper trigram Mountain (艮) over the lower trigram Fire (离). Below is the classical judgment, the six line texts, and how to read this hexagram in a reading.

The Judgment

Trigrams

The outer (upper) trigram Mountain describes the situation as it meets the world; the inner (lower) trigram Fire describes its inner disposition. Together they set the theme of Grace.

The Six Lines

• 初九 · Line 1 Adorning one's own feet: leaving the carriage to walk.贲其趾，舍车而徒。
• 六二 · Line 2 Adorning the beard — form must follow substance.贲其须。
• 九三 · Line 3 Adorned and glistening: lasting steadfastness brings good fortune.贲如，濡如，永贞吉。
• 六四 · Line 4 Adorned yet plain white; a white horse comes swiftly — not a raider but a suitor.贲如，皤如，白马翰如，匪寇，婚媾。
• 六五 · Line 5 Adornment in hills and gardens; the gift of silk is meager. Embarrassment, then a good end.贲于丘园，束帛戋戋；吝，终吉。
• 上九 · Line 6 Plain, unadorned grace. No blame.白贲，无咎。

Reading Hexagram 22 for Your Question

When Grace appears without changing lines, the judgment above stands as the whole answer. When you cast changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read those line texts first — they are the most specific guidance — then look to the relating hexagram they form for where the situation is heading. For love, career, or a decision, apply the theme of Grace to your own circumstances rather than reading it as a fixed prediction.