Hexagram 1
Qian - The Creative
乾
Meaning and Overview
The Qian hexagram and the Kun hexagram are the keys to the entire Book of Changes, with Qian being particularly important. The hexagram statement 'yuan heng li zhen' reveals the law of heaven, i.e., the general law of the movement and change of the yang way. In order, from the first line to the top line, the six lines describe the general law in detail, while the 'using nine' line statement summarizes and judges the law of yang change. Qian is pure yang; the law of change of its six lines is embodied in the line statements. The second and fifth lines are central; the fifth line is both correct and central, representing the ruler's position, the position of the king, and the position of firmness and strength. The 'using nine' line statement says, 'When you see a flock of dragons without a leader, good fortune.' 'A flock of dragons without a leader' means being firm yet gentle, strong yet yielding, virtuous yet not vaunting virtue, good yet not boasting. This shows that the Book of Changes seeks a balance of firmness and gentleness. Being able to be both firm and gentle, the world governs itself, which is most auspicious. The Qian hexagram reveals that the way to great order in the world lies in the world's ability to govern itself, each fulfilling its own nature and destiny. The Qian hexagram statement uses vivid descriptions to expound the law of movement and profound meaning of 'yuan heng li zhen.' The Image commentary points out the profound meaning of the hexagram and line statements, while the Commentary on the Words of the Text repeatedly explains the content and gist of the hexagram and line statements from the perspectives of heaven's way and the human way.
Chinese Interpretation
《乾》卦与《坤》卦是整部《周易》的关键，《乾》卦尤为重要。《乾》卦卦辞“元亨利贞”四个字是揭示天道规律，即阳道运行变化总规律的。依照次序而言，从初九、九二、九三、九四、九五、到上九，总共六爻是分述总规律的，用九爻辞则是对阳道变化规律的总结与判断。《乾》卦纯阳，其六爻变化规律体现在六爻爻辞当中，九二、九五两爻为得中，九五既正且中，为君位，为君王之位，为刚健有为之位。用九爻辞“见群龙无首，吉”，“群龙无首”即刚而能柔、健而能顺、有德而不德、善而不伐，表明《周易》追求刚柔相济。能刚能柔，天下自治，最为吉利。《乾》卦揭示了天下大治之道在于天下能够自治，各正性命。《乾》卦辞用形象描述的方式阐述了“元亨利贞”卦辞的运行规律和深刻含义，《象传》点明卦辞、爻辞的奥义精蕴，《文言》则从天道、人道等角度反复阐释解说卦辞、爻辞的内容与要旨。
Line Interpretations
These passages include the core hexagram statement, the six moving line texts, and traditional commentary where available. Read them as layered guidance: the early lines describe the root of the situation, while later lines reveal development, pressure, and outcome.
元亨利贞。
元始，亨通，利和，贞正。
Supreme prosperity, success through perseverance.
Origination, penetration, harmony, and correctness.
初九，潜龙勿用。
初九爻，龙潜伏着正在冬眠，不能出来活动。
Nine at the beginning: A hidden dragon. Do not act.
First nine: The dragon is hidden and dormant; it is not yet time to act.
九二，见龙在田，利见大人。
九二爻，龙苏醒过来，出现在田野，利于见到大人。
Nine in the second place: A dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man.
Second nine: The dragon appears in the field; it is advantageous to see the great man.
九三，君子终日乾乾，夕惕若，厉，无咎。
九三爻，君子整天自强不息，到了晚上注意休息，防范不测，虽有危险，但不会有祸害。
Nine in the third place: The superior man is active and vigilant all day, and in the evening still cautious. Danger, but no blame.
Third nine: The superior man works diligently all day and remains cautious at night. Though in danger, there is no fault.
九四，或跃在渊，无咎。
九四爻，龙或者跃出水面，飞向空中，或者退回深渊，没有过错。
Nine in the fourth place: A leaping dragon in the abyss. No blame.
Fourth nine: The dragon may leap in the deep; no fault.
九五，飞龙在天，利见大人。
九五爻，龙腾飞在天空，利于见到大人物。
Nine in the fifth place: A flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man.
Fifth nine: The dragon flies in the sky; it is advantageous to see the great man.
上九，亢龙有悔。
上九爻，龙高飞不已，不知及时返回，会有悔恨。
Nine at the top: An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.
Top nine: The dragon is overbearing; there will be regret.
用九，见群龙无首，吉。
用九爻，出现一群龙，没有首领，吉祥。
Using nine: When you see a flock of dragons without a leader, good fortune.
Using nine: Seeing a group of dragons without a leader brings good fortune.
《彖》曰：大哉乾元，万物资始，乃统天。云行雨施，品物流形，大明终始，六位时成，时乘六龙以御天。乾道变化，各正性命，保合太和，乃利贞，首出庶物，万国咸宁。
象辞说：乾元太伟大了，万物因元气而开始产生出来，元气统率大自然。云雾郁兴，雨露施降，万物萌芽生长，日出日落，昼夜形成，天地四时运转不息。乾卦六阳爻效法天道变化而化生万物，驾驭大自然。天道变化，万物因应，各自能端正品性、完成生长过程，维持大自然的生态平衡与和谐，利于坚守正道，万物因阳气而得以产生，天下万国共享太平。
The Commentary says: Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning, and which permeates all heaven. Clouds move and rain falls; all things flow into their forms. The radiance of the great end and beginning; the six positions come into being at their proper times. At the proper time, riding on these six dragons, one may rule heaven. The way of the Creative brings about change and transformation, so that each thing receives its true nature and destiny, and they come into harmony with the great harmony. Thus it is that 'favorable and persevering.' It brings forth all things, and all states enjoy peace.
The Tuan Commentary says: Great is the Qian Yuan! All things depend on it for their beginning, and it governs heaven. Clouds move and rain falls; all things flow into their forms. The great brightness ends and begins; the six positions are completed at their times. At the proper time, riding on six dragons, one may govern heaven. The way of Qian changes and transforms, each thing corrects its nature and destiny, preserving the great harmony. Thus it is favorable and correct. It first brings forth all things, and all states enjoy peace.
《象》曰：天行健，君子以自强不息。
大象辞说：大道运行，昼夜不息，为健；君子效法天道健的精神，应当自强不息。
The Image says: Heaven's movement is strong and vigorous. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and never ceases.
The Image says: Heaven moves with vigor; the superior man strives to strengthen himself without ceasing.
“潜龙勿用”，阳在下也。
龙潜伏冬眠，不会出来活动，是因为初爻居地之下位，表明阳气尚潜伏在地中。
'A hidden dragon, do not act' means the yang is below.
'A hidden dragon, do not act' means the yang is in a low position.
“见龙在田”，德施普也。
龙出现在田野上，是因为阳德普施于天下。
'A dragon appearing in the field' means virtue spreads widely.
'A dragon appearing in the field' means virtue is widely bestowed.
“终日乾乾”，反复道也。
整天不停努力，自强不息，反复皆守正道。
'Active and vigilant all day' means repeatedly following the way.
'Working diligently all day' means repeatedly practicing the way.
“或跃在渊”，进无咎也。
或者飞跃向上，或者退回深渊，前进没有过错。
'A leaping dragon in the abyss' means advancing without blame.
'A leaping dragon in the abyss' means advancing without fault.
“飞龙在天”，大人造也。
龙腾飞在天空，是圣人兴起而大有作为。
'A flying dragon in the heavens' means the great man creates.
'A flying dragon in the sky' means the great man is active.
“亢龙有悔”，盈不可久也。
龙高飞不已，陷入穷困境地，说明盈满不可能持久。
'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' means fullness cannot last long.
'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' means fullness cannot endure.
用九，天德不可为首也。
用九，天德不可以居于首位。
Using nine: The virtue of heaven cannot be the leader.
Using nine: The virtue of heaven should not take the lead.
《文言》曰：元者善之长也，亨者嘉之会也，利者义之和也，贞者事之干也。君子体仁足以长人，嘉会足以合礼，利物足以和义，贞固足以干事。君子行此四德者，故曰：“乾，元亨利贞。”
《文言传》说：元是善生长的来源与根据，亨是美好的沟通、交流、聚会，利是道义的和合，贞是事物的主干。君子体会仁德，内心充满仁德，足以领导人民成长；进行美好的交流、沟通，举行美好的聚会，足以符合礼制要求；利于万物，足以符合公共道义；坚守正道足以干好大事。君子能够践履好元、亨、利、贞四种品性，因此说君子具备了《乾》卦之元、亨、利、贞四种德行。
The Commentary on the Words says: 'Yuan' is the chief of goodness; 'Heng' is the assembly of excellence; 'Li' is the harmony of righteousness; 'Zhen' is the stem of affairs. The superior man embodies benevolence, which is sufficient to lead others; he assembles excellence, which is sufficient to accord with ritual; he benefits all things, which is sufficient to harmonize righteousness; he is firm and correct, which is sufficient to manage affairs. The superior man practices these four virtues, therefore it is said: 'Qian: yuan heng li zhen.'
The Commentary on the Words says: Yuan is the chief of goodness; Heng is the gathering of excellence; Li is the harmony of righteousness; Zhen is the stem of affairs. The superior man embodies benevolence enough to lead others, gathers excellence enough to accord with ritual, benefits things enough to harmonize righteousness, and is firm and correct enough to manage affairs. The superior man practices these four virtues, therefore it is said: 'Qian: yuan heng li zhen.'
初九曰“潜龙勿用”，何谓也？子曰：“龙德而隐者也。不易乎世，不成乎名，遁世无闷，不见是而无闷，乐则行之，忧则违之，确乎其不可拔，潜龙也。”
初九爻说，龙潜伏冬眠，没有出来活动，是什么意思呢？孔子回答说：“初九爻说的龙德中的隐德，隐士、修道之士都属于这种情况。他们不去意图改变世俗世界，不追求名利浮华，隐居世俗之中不会郁闷，得不到别人的认可也不会郁闷，对于修道一类快乐的事情，就坚定不移地去践履，对于违背道义的事情，绝对不会去做。修道的志向坚定不移，这就像潜伏冬眠的龙一样。”
What does 'A hidden dragon, do not act' mean? The Master said: 'It refers to one with dragon virtue who is hidden. He does not change to suit the world, does not seek fame. He withdraws from the world without regret, is not recognized without regret. He does what is joyful and avoids what is troubling. He is firm and unshakable. This is the hidden dragon.'
What does 'A hidden dragon, do not act' mean? The Master said: 'It refers to one with dragon virtue who is hidden. He does not change to suit the world, does not seek fame. He withdraws from the world without regret, is not recognized without regret. He does what is joyful and avoids what is troubling. He is firm and unshakable. This is the hidden dragon.'
九二曰“见龙在田，利见大人”，何谓也？子曰：“龙德而正中者也。庸言之信，庸行之谨，闲邪存其诚，善世而不伐，德博而化。《易》曰‘见龙在田，利见大人’，君德也。”
九二爻说，龙出现在田野上，利于见到大人物，是什么意思呢？孔子说：“九二爻说的是龙德中的正中之德。正中之德是说话必须管用，能够完全取信于百姓；行事小心谨慎，绝对不要马虎出差错；防止邪恶非分之心，存养善良忠诚之心；有功于世人而不骄傲自满，道德深厚广博，可以化导民众。《易经》讲‘见龙在田，利见大人’，说的就是君子的德行呀！”
What does 'A dragon appearing in the field, it furthers one to see the great man' mean? The Master said: 'It refers to one with dragon virtue who is correct and central. His ordinary words are trustworthy, his ordinary actions are cautious. He guards against evil and preserves his sincerity. He benefits the world without boasting. His virtue is broad and transforms others. The Book of Changes says: "A dragon appearing in the field, it furthers one to see the great man." This is the virtue of a ruler.'
What does 'A dragon appearing in the field, it furthers one to see the great man' mean? The Master said: 'It refers to one with dragon virtue who is correct and central. His ordinary words are trustworthy, his ordinary actions are cautious. He guards against evil and preserves his sincerity. He benefits the world without boasting. His virtue is broad and transforms others. The Book of Changes says: "A dragon appearing in the field, it furthers one to see the great man." This is the virtue of a ruler.'
九三曰“君子终日乾乾，夕惕若，厉，无咎”，何谓也？子曰：“君子进德修业。忠信，所以进德也；修辞立其诚，所以居业也。知至至之，可与几也；知终终之，可与存义也。是故居上位而不骄，在下位而不忧。故乾乾因其时而惕，虽危无咎矣。”
九三爻说，君子从早到晚忙个不停，晚上仍保持警惕，虽有危险，但不会有祸害，是什么意思呢？孔子说：“君子增进品德、修习功业。忠诚信实，是用来增进品德的；修饰言辞、确立诚意，是用来安顿功业的。知道时机到了就去做，可以参与几微之事；知道事情终结就停止，可以保存道义。因此身居上位而不骄傲，处在下位而不忧虑。所以自强不息、因时警惕，即使有危险也不会有祸害。”
What does 'The superior man is active and vigilant all day, and in the evening still cautious. Danger, but no blame' mean? The Master said: 'The superior man advances in virtue and cultivates his work. Loyalty and trustworthiness are the means of advancing virtue. He cultivates his words and establishes his sincerity, the means of dwelling in his work. He knows the utmost and attains it; he can participate in the subtle. He knows the end and ends it; he can preserve righteousness. Therefore he occupies a high position without pride, and a low position without worry. Thus he is active and vigilant according to the time, and though in danger, there is no fault.'
What does 'The superior man is active and vigilant all day, and in the evening still cautious. Danger, but no blame' mean? The Master said: 'The superior man advances in virtue and cultivates his work. Loyalty and trustworthiness are the means of advancing virtue. He cultivates his words and establishes his sincerity, the means of dwelling in his work. He knows the utmost and attains it; he can participate in the subtle. He knows the end and ends it; he can preserve righteousness. Therefore he occupies a high position without pride, and a low position without worry. Thus he is active and vigilant according to the time, and though in danger, there is no fault.'
九四曰“或跃在渊，无咎”，何谓也？子曰：“上下无常，非为邪也。进退无恒，非离群也。君子进德修业，欲及时也，故无咎。”
九四爻说，或者飞跃向上，或者退回深渊，不会有过失，什么意思呢？孔子说：“君子进德修业，是为了抢抓机遇。上下无常，不是为了干坏事。进退无恒，不是为了脱离群众。上下进退没有遵循常理，是因为机会稍纵即逝，必须因时权变，因此，不会有过错。”
What does 'A leaping dragon in the abyss, no blame' mean? The Master said: 'Up and down without regularity, not for evil. Advancing and retreating without constancy, not for leaving the group. The superior man advances in virtue and cultivates his work, wishing to seize the time. Therefore no blame.'
What does 'A leaping dragon in the abyss, no blame' mean? The Master said: 'Up and down without regularity, not for evil. Advancing and retreating without constancy, not for leaving the group. The superior man advances in virtue and cultivates his work, wishing to seize the time. Therefore no blame.'
九五曰“飞龙在天，利见大人”，何谓也？子曰：“同声相应，同气相求，水流湿，火就燥，云从龙，风从虎，圣人作而万物睹。本乎天者亲上，本乎地者亲下，则各从其类也。”
九五爻说，龙腾飞在天空中，利于见到大人物，是什么意思呢？孔子说：“同声相应，同气相求，水流往低湿的地方，火烧向干燥的草木，云雾伴随着飞龙，大风跟从着猛虎，圣人兴起，群贤毕至，国家昌盛，万物繁茂。以天为根本的亲附于上，以地为根本的亲附于下，阴阳万物各随其类而分布生活。”
What does 'A flying dragon in the heavens, it furthers one to see the great man' mean? The Master said: 'Like sounds respond to each other; like spirits seek each other. Water flows to wet; fire approaches dry. Clouds follow the dragon; wind follows the tiger. When the sage arises, all beings behold him. Those rooted in heaven draw near to what is above; those rooted in earth draw near to what is below. Each follows its own kind.'
What does 'A flying dragon in the heavens, it furthers one to see the great man' mean? The Master said: 'Like sounds respond to each other; like spirits seek each other. Water flows to wet; fire approaches dry. Clouds follow the dragon; wind follows the tiger. When the sage arises, all beings behold him. Those rooted in heaven draw near to what is above; those rooted in earth draw near to what is below. Each follows its own kind.'
上九曰“亢龙有悔”，何谓也？子曰：“贵而无位，高而无民，贤人在下位而无辅，是以动而有悔也。”
上九爻说，龙高飞，不知及时返回，会有悔恨，是什么意思呢？孔子说：“尊贵而没有权位，高贵而脱离民众，贤人居于下位没有人辅佐，因此，轻举妄动，会后悔。”
What does 'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' mean? The Master said: 'Noble but without position, high but without people, worthy men below but without assistance. Therefore when he acts, there is regret.'
What does 'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' mean? The Master said: 'Noble but without position, high but without people, worthy men below but without assistance. Therefore when he acts, there is regret.'
“潜龙勿用”，下也。
龙潜伏冬眠，不能活动，是因为阳气卑微潜伏地下。
'A hidden dragon, do not act' means he is below.
'A hidden dragon, do not act' means he is in a low position.
“见龙在田”，时舍也。
龙出现在田野，是因为春天来到，机会来临了。
'A dragon appearing in the field' means the time is favorable.
'A dragon appearing in the field' means the time has come.
“终日乾乾”，行事也。
君子终日忙个不停，是整天在处理事情。
'Active and vigilant all day' means conducting affairs.
'Working diligently all day' means carrying out tasks.
“或跃在渊”，自试也。
或者飞向天空，或者退回深渊，是自己尝试抓住机会进取。
'A leaping dragon in the abyss' means testing oneself.
'A leaping dragon in the abyss' means testing oneself.
“飞龙在天”，上治也。
飞在天空，圣明君主出现，群贤毕至，天下大治。
'A flying dragon in the heavens' means ruling above.
'A flying dragon in the sky' means ruling from above.
“亢龙有悔”，穷之灾也。
亢过盛，不知及时返回，骄亢进入穷困境地，会招来灾祸。
'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' means the disaster of extremity.
'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' means the calamity of exhaustion.
乾元用九，天下治也。
用九，《乾》卦纯阳六爻及时变化，阴阳和合，坚守中正之道，天下大治。
Qian Yuan using nine means the world is well governed.
Qian Yuan using nine means the world is well governed.
“潜龙勿用”，阳气潜藏。
龙潜伏冬眠，阳气潜藏地下。
'A hidden dragon, do not act' means the yang energy is hidden and stored.
'A hidden dragon, do not act' means the yang energy is hidden and stored.
“见龙在田”，天下文明。
龙出现在田野，草木萌发，虫鸟和鸣，天下文明，是春天之时。
'A dragon appearing in the field' means the world is bright and cultured.
'A dragon appearing in the field' means the world is bright and cultured.
“终日乾乾”，与时偕行。
整日忙碌，抓住机会，不耽误时机。
'Active and vigilant all day' means moving with the times.
'Working diligently all day' means moving with the times.
“或跃在渊”，乾道乃革。
或者腾飞在天空，或者退回深渊，乾道变革。
'A leaping dragon in the abyss' means the way of Qian is changing.
'A leaping dragon in the abyss' means the way of Qian is changing.
“飞龙在天”，乃位乎天德。
飞在天空，于是正位于天道，与天德相合。
'A flying dragon in the heavens' means taking the position of heavenly virtue.
'A flying dragon in the sky' means taking the position of heavenly virtue.
“亢龙有悔”，与时偕极。
亢过盛，不知往返，进入穷困之时。
'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' means reaching the extreme with the times.
'An arrogant dragon will have cause to repent' means reaching the extreme with the times.
“乾元用九”，乃见天则。
用九，阴阳转化，于是大道变化规律显现出来。
'Qian Yuan using nine' means the heavenly principle is revealed.
'Qian Yuan using nine' means the heavenly principle is revealed.
“乾元”者，始而亨者也。“利贞”者，性情也。乾始能以美利利天下，不言所利，大矣哉。大哉乾乎，刚健中正，纯粹精也。六爻发挥，旁通情也。时乘六龙，以御天也；云行雨施，天下平也。
“乾元”是万物的开始，开始而亨通。“利贞”是端正性情。《乾》卦始而通达，能以美好的利益施利天下，而不自夸其功劳，实在是太伟大了。太伟大了啊，《乾》卦，刚健中正，阳气纯粹；六爻共同构成《乾》卦，互相生发、相辅相成，与万物之情相通；阳气按时乘着六条龙，来驾驭天道规律；云行雨施，天下太平。
'Qian Yuan' means the beginning and penetration. 'Li zhen' means the nature and feelings. Qian begins and can benefit the world with beautiful benefits, without speaking of what it benefits. Great indeed! Great is Qian! Firm, strong, central, correct, pure, and essential. The six lines develop and penetrate all feelings. At the proper time, riding on six dragons, one governs heaven. Clouds move and rain falls; the world is at peace.
'Qian Yuan' means the beginning and penetration. 'Li zhen' means the nature and feelings. Qian begins and can benefit the world with beautiful benefits, without speaking of what it benefits. Great indeed! Great is Qian! Firm, strong, central, correct, pure, and essential. The six lines develop and penetrate all feelings. At the proper time, riding on six dragons, one governs heaven. Clouds move and rain falls; the world is at peace.
君子以成德为行，日可见之行也。“潜”之为言也，隐而未见，行而未成，是以君子弗用也。
君子把成就品德作为行动，每天都能在行动中表现出来。“潜”的意思是说，隐藏而尚未显现，行动而尚未成功，因此君子不会出来发挥作用。
The superior man takes the completion of virtue as his action, which can be seen daily. The word 'hidden' means concealed and not yet visible, acting but not yet accomplished. Therefore the superior man does not use it.
The superior man takes the completion of virtue as his action, which can be seen daily. The word 'hidden' means concealed and not yet visible, acting but not yet accomplished. Therefore the superior man does not use it.
君子学以聚之，问以辩之，宽以居之，仁以行之。《易》曰：“见龙在田，利见大人。”君德也。
君子通过学习来积累知识，用疑问来辨明事理，用宽厚来存养品德，用仁爱来实践德行。《易经》说：“见龙在田，利见大人。”这是君子的品德呀。
The superior man learns to accumulate, asks to discriminate, dwells with breadth, and acts with benevolence. The Book of Changes says: 'A dragon appearing in the field, it furthers one to see the great man.' This is the virtue of a ruler.
The superior man learns to accumulate, asks to discriminate, dwells with breadth, and acts with benevolence. The Book of Changes says: 'A dragon appearing in the field, it furthers one to see the great man.' This is the virtue of a ruler.
九三重刚而不中，上不在天，下不在田，故乾乾因其时而惕，虽危无咎矣。
九三爻是多重阳刚而不居中位，上不在天位，下不在地位，因此自强不息、因时警惕，即使有危险也不会有祸害。
Nine in the third place is doubled firmness but not central. Above, it is not in heaven; below, it is not in the field. Therefore it is active and vigilant according to the time, and though in danger, there is no fault.
Nine in the third place is doubled firmness but not central. Above, it is not in heaven; below, it is not in the field. Therefore it is active and vigilant according to the time, and though in danger, there is no fault.
九四重刚而不中，上不在天，下不在田，中不在人，故“或”之。“或”之者，疑之也，故无咎。
九四爻是多重阳刚而不居中位，上不在天位，下不在地位，中不在人位，因此说“或”。“或”的意思是表示疑惑，所以没有过错。
Nine in the fourth place is doubled firmness but not central. Above, it is not in heaven; below, it is not in the field; in the middle, it is not among men. Therefore it says 'or.' 'Or' means doubt, therefore no fault.
Nine in the fourth place is doubled firmness but not central. Above, it is not in heaven; below, it is not in the field; in the middle, it is not among men. Therefore it says 'or.' 'Or' means doubt, therefore no fault.
夫大人者，与天地合其德，与日月合其明，与四时合其序，与鬼神合其吉凶。先天而天弗违，后天而奉天时。天且弗违，而况于人乎？况于鬼神乎？
所谓大人物，品德与天地之道相符合，光明与日月相符合，行事与四时运行变化之秩序相符合，福祸与鬼神吉凶之结果相符合。先于天道行动，天道不会违背他；后于天道行动，则遵奉天时。天道尚且不违背他，何况人呢？何况鬼神呢？
The great man is one who is in harmony with heaven and earth in virtue, with the sun and moon in brightness, with the four seasons in order, and with ghosts and spirits in good and evil fortune. He precedes heaven, and heaven does not oppose him; he follows heaven, and he serves the time of heaven. Heaven does not oppose him, how much less men? How much less ghosts and spirits?
The great man is one who is in harmony with heaven and earth in virtue, with the sun and moon in brightness, with the four seasons in order, and with ghosts and spirits in good and evil fortune. He precedes heaven, and heaven does not oppose him; he follows heaven, and he serves the time of heaven. Heaven does not oppose him, how much less men? How much less ghosts and spirits?
“亢”之为言也，知进而不知退，知存而不知亡，知得而不知丧。其唯圣人乎？知进退存亡而不失其正者，其唯圣人乎！
“亢”的意思是说，只知前进而不知后退，只知生存而不知消亡，只知获得而不知丧失。大概只有圣人吧？知道进退存亡而不失正道的人，大概只有圣人吧！
The word 'arrogant' means knowing only advance but not retreat, knowing only existence but not extinction, knowing only gain but not loss. Is it only the sage? He who knows advance and retreat, existence and extinction, without losing correctness—is it only the sage?
The word 'arrogant' means knowing only advance but not retreat, knowing only existence but not extinction, knowing only gain but not loss. Is it only the sage? He who knows advance and retreat, existence and extinction, without losing correctness—is it only the sage?