Chi Chi / After Completion

above: K'an The Abysmal, Water
below: Li The Clinging, Flame

The fifth [nine], undivided, shows its subject (as) the neighbor in the east who slaughters an ox (for his sacrifice); but this is not equal to the (small) spring sacrifice of the neighbor in the west, whose sincerity receives the blessing.

'The neighbor in the East' is the subject of line 5, and 'the neighbor in the West' is the subject of the correlate 2, the former quarter being yang and the latter yin. Line 5 is strong, and 2 is weak; but weakness is more likely to be patient and cautious than strength. They are compared to two men sacrificing. The one presents valuable offerings; the other very poor ones. But the second excels in sincerity, and his small offering is the more acceptable.