I Ching Hexagram 62 Xiǎo Guò(Small Excess)

The meaning of “Xiao Guo” refers to a slight transgression or minor overstep. This hexagram is composed of the elements Gen (Mountain) and Zhen (Thunder). In terms of imagery, Zhen represents thunder, and Gen represents a mountain. Thunder, which originates from the sky, strikes the top of the mountain, but it is still distant from reaching the heights. The louder the thunder, the more its power is felt, yet here, the thunder is only slightly louder than usual, still not reaching the full impact it could in the open sky.

The “Xiao Guo” hexagram actually contains three layers of meaning: Firstly, “Xiao” indicates a small transgression. In this hexagram, the four soft (yin) lines are external, and they occupy the higher (respectful) positions (i.e., the fifth position), while only two hard (yang) lines are inside, not in the center or in the correct place. This is the phenomenon where softness overpowers hardness. Since in the I Ching, yang is considered “great” and yin is “small,” softness overtaking hardness is akin to smallness overtaking greatness, hence the name “Xiao Guo” (small transgression).

Secondly, it refers to small matters being overstepped. “Small matters” are those common, everyday actions, while “large matters” are those of national importance or affairs of the state, such as military or political decisions. A “small transgression” in this context means acting with excessive humility, mourning too deeply, or being overly frugal, suggesting a tendency toward self-deprecation or excessive modesty.

Finally, “Xiao Guo” implies that the overstep is still small and does not lead to irreversible consequences. To correct an error, one often overcompensates, but this small excess is meant to rectify the original imbalance, bringing things back to the middle path. This is why it is possible to return to the middle once the excess is small.

The hexagram reads: “Xiao Guo, success. Beneficial to persevere. Small matters are possible, but not large ones. The sound left behind by birds flying high is faint. It is not suitable to go up, but rather to go down. Great fortune.”

“Xiao Guo” contains the principle of achieving success through slight adjustments. Instead of arrogance, one should prefer to be overly humble; instead of extravagance, one should opt for simple frugality. The common saying “overcorrecting the imbalance” applies here—slightly exceeding the middle path is necessary to correct the initial deviation and return to a reasonable balance. Just like the pendulum of a clock, it swings towards the center, and “attacking an extreme leads to balance.”

Thus, “Xiao Guo” embodies the principle of achieving success through adherence to the right path. It is beneficial to follow the correct way, for this allows the principle of overcompensation to bring things back to the center. The hexagram suggests maintaining integrity and balance in all matters, hence “beneficial to persevere.”

In this hexagram, the second and fifth lines represent soft (yin) lines in the middle of their respective positions, indicating that transgressions should only occur in small matters. As for the third and fourth lines, which are hard (yang) and either mispositioned or not centered, they suggest that major affairs should not be overstepped. This is akin to hearing the sound left behind by birds soaring high—while the sound is louder, the bird itself is out of sight. Only by flying lower can one find safety. A gentleman, when encountering “Xiao Guo,” should follow the trend, remain humble, and success will come naturally. However, if one goes against the current, trouble may follow.

An ancient proverb says, “Endure for a while, and the storm will pass; retreat a step, and the sea will widen.” When encountering opposition, sticking to one’s position may bring temporary satisfaction, but in the long run, it leads to regret. Only by following the principle of “not going up, but going down” can one achieve great fortune.

Initial Six

The bird flies with misfortune.

The Initial Six is located at the beginning of the “Xiao Guo” hexagram, indicating that the transgression is still minor, and with a slight correction, one could return to the middle path. However, Initial Six, being a soft line in the position of yang, is inherently weak but attempts to use strength. It aligns with the dominant hard line, Nine Four, which is proactive and active in its nature. Initially, the individual is already slightly off the middle path, and the tendency to fly upwards like a bird only leads them further astray. Thus, the outcome is one of misfortune.

The “Xiao Guo” hexagram contains the image of a bird, which flies by relying on its wings. Therefore, both the Initial and Upper lines are metaphorically represented as flying birds.

Example Explanation: Much like how, when an illness first manifests, prompt treatment prevents it from becoming a major sickness, if the condition is allowed to worsen, even a renowned healer like Hua Tuo would be unable to help in its advanced stages.

Six Two

Oversteps its ancestors, encounters its mother, but does not reach the king to meet his ministers—no harm.

Nine Three is yang, representing the father and is positioned above Six Two. Nine Four is higher still, representing the grandfather. Six Five, being a soft line in a higher position, represents the mother, and also carries the meaning of the king. The term “minister” refers to Six Two. “Encountering the minister” implies that the king receives assistance from a wise minister. Six Two, when it comes to “small matters” like family affairs, may overstep the “ancestor” represented by Nine Four and instead meet the “mother” represented by Six Five. However, for “large matters,” such as state affairs, because there is no alignment between Six Two and Six Five, and because Nine Three and Nine Four stand in between, Six Two dares not approach the king and must remain in place, awaiting the king’s summons to avoid appearing obsequious.

For the king, receiving the assistance of a wise minister is seen as “encountering the minister.”

The hexagram’s phrase “small matters are possible, but not large matters” already points out that when in the “Xiao Guo” situation, it is permissible to slightly exceed the bounds in small matters, but not in large ones. In matters that can bear slight oversteps, humility and excessive respect are the way to go. In matters where one must not overstep, it is better to refrain and humbly retreat. Six Two, possessing the virtue of gentleness and balance, is able to weigh the proper amount of excess and restraint, adhering to the middle path. In the “Xiao Guo” situation, regardless of whether one oversteps or refrains, it is vital to respond appropriately to the time and circumstances to achieve the state of “no harm.”

Example Explanation: In the early Han Dynasty, Jia Yi (200 BCE – 168 BCE), a young man of exceptional talent, found himself in a challenging situation. Though the Emperor Wen of Han had just ascended the throne, emphasizing humility and following the teachings of Huang-Lao, Jia Yi proposed reforms such as changing the calendar, altering clothing colors, establishing official titles, and promoting rites and music, advocating for a return to the ancient ways. Naturally, these ideas were not accepted by the emperor. Emperor Wen focused more on matters of sacrifice and the spirits, rather than state affairs. Furthermore, prominent officials in the newly established Han dynasty feared Jia Yi’s talent, and he was soon sidelined, eventually exiled to the position of tutor to the King of Changsha, then later moved to a similar role for the King of Liang. Had Jia Yi recognized the need to exercise restraint in matters of “small transgressions,” he might have humbly awaited a future opportunity for advancement. Unfortunately, Jia Yi, unable to see the value in humility, passed away at the young age of thirty-three, suffering from depression.

Nine Three

Do not overstep. Guard against it. Follow. Someone may harm you. Misfortune.

Nine Three, being a hard line in the position of yang, possesses strength and talent, and in alignment with the upper line, could achieve great things. However, since the situation is one of “Xiao Guo,” where overstepping is discouraged in major matters, Nine Three must avoid overly aggressive actions. In addition, Nine Three, with its inherent strength and rightful position, is easily disliked by others who are more subtle and cunning. If it relies solely on its own strength, assuming that no one can challenge it, without anticipating the schemes of the sly and underhanded, it risks harm. Hence, the hexagram advises caution: “Guard against it. Follow. Someone may harm you. Misfortune.” It warns Nine Three to be wary of deceitful individuals and to make thorough preparations. Otherwise, trusting these subtle, scheming figures may lead to its downfall.

Example Explanation: A person in a high position, while able to pursue their ideals and ambitions, may attract criticism and hostility simply by standing out too prominently, becoming a target for attacks. Especially in times of “Xiao Guo,” if one does not remain cautious and aware of their actions, they may be exploited by opportunistic individuals, leading to a complete collapse.

Nine Four

No harm. Do not overstep. Meet it. When moving forward, be cautious and do not act impulsively. Remain steadfast.

Nine Four, being a hard line in an inner position, combines strength with the wisdom of yielding, understanding the virtue of excessive humility and restraint. This allows Nine Four to avoid harm and emerge “without fault.” In contrast, Nine Three, with its unrestrained strength in a yang position, faces misfortune. The phrase “Do not overstep, meet it” indicates that while Nine Four may have lost its rightful position, it does not become overly aggressive and can still align with Initial Six in a beneficial way, suggesting a tendency to move downwards. However, since Nine Four is not in the correct position, it must not act rashly and use its strength to move upwards. Such actions would disrupt the hexagram’s guidance and lead to misfortune. By remaining still and not impulsively acting, Nine Four ensures stability and longevity. This reflects the principle of “when moving forward, be cautious and do not act impulsively. Remain steadfast.”

Example Explanation: During the late Qing Dynasty, when foreign powers encroached upon China, the country was in decline. Many patriots sought to save the nation through various means, such as constitutional reform or revolution. In this context, Emperor Guangxu met with Kang Youwei, a reformist, and began the famous “Hundred Days’ Reform.” However, the emperor underestimated the resistance of conservative forces and failed to consider the formidable power of Empress Dowager Cixi, who held the real authority. As a result, the reform failed, the six reform-minded officials were executed, and all their efforts were in vain.

Six Five

Dense clouds but no rain. From my western suburbs, the noble hunts and captures the one in the cave.

“Yì” refers to the act of hunting or capturing. “Gong” refers to Six Five, and “Bǐ” refers to Six Two, the sage who lives hidden in a cave. The “Xiao Guo” hexagram uses the metaphor of a bird, cautioning against flying too high, as it violates the principle of “not going up, but going down.” Similarly, clouds float in the sky, and when they descend, they bring rain. When the clouds are dense but do not bring rain, it resembles the bird that flies high without coming down.

The hexagram says, “Dense clouds but no rain, from my western suburbs,” because the west and south represent the positions of yin in the hexagrams: west corresponds to Dui, southwest to Kun, and south to Li. Dense clouds emanating from the western suburbs symbolize an overabundance of yin energy, which prevents the harmony between yin and yang, causing the clouds to remain thick without turning into rain. This metaphor indicates that when the yin energy is too strong, Six Five, though in a respected position, becomes self-assured and fails to nurture. If it wishes to benefit the people, it must humble itself and seek the counsel of the wise person hiding in the cave. Hence, the hexagram advises, “The noble hunts and captures the one in the cave.”

Example Explanation: During the mid-Shang Dynasty, the country was weakening, and the people longed for the prosperity of the past. When King Wu Ding ascended the throne, he often thought about revitalizing the nation but struggled due to a lack of wise ministers. After a series of searches, he “hunted and captured the one in the cave,” discovering Fu Shuo, a former slave working in construction, who was an exceptional talent. He appointed Fu Shuo as the prime minister, leading the country to prosper and ushering in a period of rejuvenation.

Upper Six

Does not meet. Oversteps. The bird flies away. Misfortune. This is a warning of disaster.

Upper Six, being a soft line in the yin position, is at the extreme end of the “Xiao Guo” hexagram, where it cannot align with Nine Three. Its excessive, forceful nature surpasses the yang energy of Nine Three. Therefore, the hexagram states, “Does not meet, oversteps.” Upper Six, by deviating from the middle path and violating reason, is like a bird that flies too high without knowing where it is going, eventually leading to disaster. This results in misfortune. It is like a person who lacks self-awareness, unaware of the dangers of their situation, and stubbornly persists on a misguided path, only to encounter misfortune.

Example Explanation: When a young person lacks the guidance and encouragement of a good mentor or friend, and is instead exposed to harmful habits, their personality may fail to develop healthily, leading them down a wrong path. This is precisely what the hexagram describes with “the bird flies away. Misfortune. This is a warning of disaster.