#21
Biting Through (噬嗑)
Shì Kè
Clear obstruction with firm justice.
Source: Our commentary · editorial-en-v1
Lower trigram: Thunder (震 Zhèn) — arousing movement
Upper trigram: Fire (离 Lí) — clarity and clinging
Judgment — our commentary
Obstruction yields to firm, fair biting-through. Decide, enforce a clear rule, then stop chewing endlessly.
The six lines
Line 1
Biting Through: begin quietly. Clear obstruction with firm justice shows first as a small, careful step rather than a public claim.
Reflection: What smallest faithful step is available now?
Line 2
Biting Through: gather allies or resources. Keep clear obstruction with firm justice practical—test one move before scaling.
Reflection: What support makes the next step safer?
Line 3
Biting Through: work intensifies. Stay honest about fatigue so clear obstruction with firm justice does not tip into rash force.
Reflection: Where should you pause before pushing harder?
Line 4
Biting Through: a fork appears. Choose the option that keeps integrity even if it is slower.
Reflection: Which choice can you fully own?
Line 5
Biting Through: your stance influences others. Model clear obstruction with firm justice without pressuring people to mirror you.
Reflection: How can you lead without dominating?
Line 6
Biting Through: close the cycle. Soften excess, keep the lesson, and do not cling to the peak.
Reflection: What deserves a clean ending rather than a cling?