Ming I / Darkening of the Light
above: K'un The Receptive, Earth
below: Li The Clinging, Flame
The first [nine], undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, flying, but with drooping wings. When the superior man (is resolving) his going away, he may be for three days without eating. Wherever he goes, the people there may speak (derisively of him).
Line 1 is strong, and in its right place; - its subject should be going forward. But the general signification of the hexagram supposes him to be wounded. The wound, however, being received at the very commencement of the action, is but slight. And hence comes the emblem of a bird hurt so as to be obliged to droop its wings. The subject then appears directly as 'the superior man'. He sees it as his course to desist from the struggle for a time, and is so rapt in the thought that he can fast for three days and not think of it. When he does withdraw, opposition follows him; but it is implied that he holds onto his own good purpose.