Hexagram 14: Possession in Great Measure (大有 Dà Yǒu) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 14 (大有 Possession in Great Measure)?

I Ching Hexagram 14, 大有 (Dà Yǒu), represents Possession in Great Measure. It is formed by Fire (離 Lí) above, Heaven (乾 Qián) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Possession in Great Measure. Supreme success....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 14 mean?

The Image states: 'Fire in heaven above: the image of Possession in Great Measure. Thus the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, thereby obeying the benevolent will of heaven.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 14 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how Possession in Great Measure manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 14 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 14 (Possession in Great Measure) follows Hexagram 13 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

大有

Dà Yǒu — Hexagram 14

Possession in Great Measure

Fire (離 Lí) above, Heaven (乾 Qián) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 14, 大有 (Dà Yǒu), represents Possession in Great Measure. Formed by Fire (離 Lí) above, Heaven (乾 Qián) below, this hexagram teaches about possession in great measure. The core message: Possession in Great Measure. Supreme success..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 14 is formed by Fire (離 Lí) above, Heaven (乾 Qián) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

Possession in Great Measure. Supreme success.

— I Ching, Possession in Great Measure

The Image

Fire in heaven above: the image of Possession in Great Measure. Thus the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, thereby obeying the benevolent will of heaven.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: No relationship with what is harmful; there is no blame in this. If one remains conscious of difficulty, one remains without blame.

Line 2: Line 2: A big wagon for loading. One may undertake something. No blame.

Line 3: Line 3: A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven. A petty man cannot do this.

Line 4: Line 4: He makes a difference between himself and his neighbor. No blame.

Line 5: Line 5: He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified, has good fortune.

Line 6: Line 6: He is blessed by heaven. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further.

Modern Application

Hexagram 14 describes a state of abundance and prosperity. Fire in Heaven illuminates all things — this is wealth that is visible, shared, and put to good use. The hexagram teaches that great possession carries great responsibility: the superior person uses wealth to 'curb evil and further good.' It distinguishes between the magnanimous person who uses resources for the common good and the petty person who hoards. In modern contexts, Possession in Great Measure applies to financial success, organizational resources, intellectual capital, and any form of abundance that must be stewarded wisely.

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