中文
Hexagram 28

Preponderance of the Great

泽风大过 · 大过 · Dà Guò  |  Lake over Wind

The beam bends under too great a load; act before it breaks.

ExcessCrisisDecisivenessPressure
Upper trigram
兑 · Lake
Lower trigram
巽 · Wind

The Judgment

“The ridgepole sags to the breaking point. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. Success.”

The Lines

Six at the beginningTo spread white rushes underneath as a mat. No blame.
Nine in the second placeA withered poplar puts out shoots; an old man takes a young wife. Nothing is unfavorable.
Nine in the third placeThe ridgepole sags to the breaking point. Misfortune.
Nine in the fourth placeThe ridgepole is braced up. Good fortune; but ulterior intentions bring regret.
Nine in the fifth placeA withered poplar puts forth flowers; an old woman takes a young husband. No blame, no praise.
Six at the topWading in too deep, the water goes over his head. Misfortune, but no blame.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

A great weight rests on weak supports, like a sagging ridgepole. The situation is overloaded and critical, demanding decisive yet careful action.

Guidance

Relieve the strain and act resolutely; extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, taken with care.

When This Hexagram Appears

An overburdened, near-breaking situation that needs immediate, bold relief.

FAQ about Hexagram 28

What does Hexagram 28, Preponderance of the Great, mean?

Preponderance of the Great (泽风大过, hexagram 28 of the I Ching). A great weight rests on weak supports, like a sagging ridgepole. The situation is overloaded and critical, demanding decisive yet careful action.

What is the Judgment of the Preponderance of the Great hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “The ridgepole sags to the breaking point. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. Success.” The beam bends under too great a load; act before it breaks.

What guidance does Hexagram 28 offer?

Relieve the strain and act resolutely; extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, taken with care.

When does the Preponderance of the Great hexagram apply?

An overburdened, near-breaking situation that needs immediate, bold relief.

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