Hexagram 15Upper Kun · EarthLower Gen · Mountain

Qian · Modesty

谦卦 · 地山谦

Humility
Low profile
Quiet strength
Fairness

The Judgment

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

亨，君子有终。

The Image

A mountain within the earth: modesty. The noble one, in the same way, reduces what is too much, adds to what is too little, weighs things and distributes them evenly.

地中有山，谦。君子以裒多益寡，称物平施。

Plain-language reading

Your situation

Your greatest advantage right now is strength that does not show off. Qian (Modesty) is a mountain hidden beneath the earth: weighty, yet low in posture. You may be in a situation where you need to get along with others and balance interests, and too much sharpness would only create resistance.

Where to put your effort

Keep your modesty, give credit to others and focus on doing the work well. Modesty is not retreat; it is doing a great deal without boasting. Be fair when sharing out resources and making decisions. Keep it up: this is the only hexagram in which all six lines are auspicious.

Four areas of life

Career: Things are smooth; you rise step by step.
Wealth: Fair prices and protected profits.
Family: Living near the mountains, the whole family is safe.
Health: Pent-up feelings; open your heart.

Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.

The six lines

Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.

Six at the beginningThe first line, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.Moving

初六：谦谦君子，用涉大川，吉。

Image：The modest, modest noble one: humble, guiding oneself.

Career: Do not compete with others and you will avoid trouble.
Wealth: Investing in shipping can be profitable.
Family: Run the home with virtue; peace and harmony.
Health: Swimming keeps you fit.

Six in the second placeThe second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.Moving

六二：鸣谦，贞吉。

Image：Modesty that is heard, perseverance brings good fortune: it comes from the heart.

Career: Your reputation spreads and you feel proud.
Wealth: People respond to you and profit follows.
Family: Lasting property and a good name.
Health: Mental exhaustion from overthinking.

Nine in the third placeThe third line, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.Moving

九三：劳谦，君子有终，吉。

Image：The hard-working, modest noble one: all the people follow.

Career: Hard work pays off; good fortune in later life.
Wealth: The foundation is built; profits are secure.
Family: Preserve what you have and live in peace.
Health: Severe overwork; a serious warning.

Six in the fourth placeThe fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.Moving

六四：无不利，撝谦。

Image：Nothing that is not favourable, spreading modesty: not going against the rules.

Career: You are in good luck; everything goes well.
Wealth: Plenty of profit; leave some room.
Family: Get along humbly and all is well.
Health: Relax and get out more and you will recover.

Six in the fifth placeThe fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.Moving

六五：不富以其邻，利用侵伐，无不利。

Image：It is favourable to attack: to punish those who will not submit.

Career: Pull yourself together; do not be too lenient.
Wealth: Guard against others taking a share and causing trouble.
Family: Choose your neighbours and help each other; a marriage with a neighbour is discussed.
Health: Clear away heat and inflammation.

Six at the topThe sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.Moving

上六：鸣谦，利用行师，征邑国。

Image：Modesty that is heard, the aim not yet achieved: it can be used to march an army, to bring one's own domain to order.

Career: The best period has passed; your plans meet resistance.
Wealth: Impressive in name but empty in substance; reorganise seriously.
Family: Guard against bad influences.
Health: Look after your state of mind.

Related hexagrams

Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.

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