Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment)
above: K'an The Abysmal, Water
below: Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
Nine in the fifth place means:
Waiting at meat and drink.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Even in the midst of danger there come intervals of peace when things
go relatively well. If we possess enough inner strength, we shall take
advantage of these intervals to fortify ourselves for renewed struggle.
We must know how to enjoy the moment without being deflected from the
goal, for perseverance is needed to remain victorious.
This is true in public life as well; it is not possible to achieve
everything all at once. The height of wisdom is to allow people enough
recreation to quicken pleasure in their work until the task is
completed. Herein lies the secret of the whole hexagram. It differs
from Chin OBSTRUCTION (39),
in the fact that in this instance, while waiting, we are sure of our
cause and therefore do not lose the serenity born of inner cheerfulness.