Hexagram 15: Modesty (謙 Qiān) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 15 (謙 Modesty)?

I Ching Hexagram 15, 謙 (Qiān), represents Modesty. It is formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Mountain (艮 Gèn) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 15 mean?

The Image states: 'Within the earth, a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much and augments that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal.' 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 15 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 Modesty 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 15 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 15 (Modesty) follows Hexagram 14 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

謙

Qiān — Hexagram 15

Modesty

Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Mountain (艮 Gèn) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 15, 謙 (Qiān), represents Modesty. Formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Mountain (艮 Gèn) below, this hexagram teaches about modesty. The core message: Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 15 is formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Mountain (艮 Gèn) 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

Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through.

— I Ching, Modesty

The Image

Within the earth, a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much and augments that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: A superior man modest about his modesty may cross the great water. Good fortune.

Line 2: Line 2: Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.

Line 3: Line 3: A superior man of modesty and merit carries things to conclusion. Good fortune.

Line 4: Line 4: Nothing that would not further modesty in movement.

Line 5: Line 5: No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is favorable to attack with force. Nothing that would not further.

Line 6: Line 6: Modesty that comes to expression. It is favorable to set armies marching to chastise one's own city and one's own country.

Modern Application

Hexagram 15 is unique in the I Ching — it is the only hexagram whose every line is favorable. Modesty, represented by a mountain hidden within the earth, is the virtue that sustains all other virtues. The mountain's greatness is real but concealed; the modest person has substance but does not display it. The hexagram teaches that true modesty is not self-deprecation but accurate self-assessment coupled with respect for others. In modern life, Modesty applies to leadership (the humble leader who empowers others), personal growth (the beginner's mind), and social harmony (reducing excess to lift up those with too little).

Related Guides

Chinese Philosophy Complete Guide

All major schools of Chinese thought

Taoism for Beginners

A practical guide to Taoist philosophy

Confucianism for Beginners

A practical guide to Confucian philosophy

Buddhism for Beginners

A practical guide to Buddhist philosophy

Stoicism for Beginners

A practical guide to start practicing Stoicism