Hexagram 19: Approach (臨 Lín) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 19 (臨 Approach)?

I Ching Hexagram 19, 臨 (Lín), represents Approach. It is formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 19 mean?

The Image states: 'The earth above the lake: the image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without limits in his tolerance and protection of the people.' 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 19 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 Approach 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 19 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 19 (Approach) follows Hexagram 18 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

臨

Lín — Hexagram 19

Approach

Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 19, 臨 (Lín), represents Approach. Formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below, this hexagram teaches about approach. The core message: Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 19 is formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) 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

Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.

— I Ching, Approach

The Image

The earth above the lake: the image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without limits in his tolerance and protection of the people.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.

Line 2: Line 2: Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.

Line 3: Line 3: Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve over it, one becomes free of blame.

Line 4: Line 4: Complete approach. No blame.

Line 5: Line 5: Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune.

Line 6: Line 6: Greathearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.

Modern Application

Hexagram 19 describes the moment when great things draw near — the approach of spring, the approach of a teacher to students, the approach of opportunity. Earth above Lake represents the superior person's generous spirit nurturing those below. The hexagram carries a dual message: approach brings supreme success, but it is also temporary (the eighth month warning). The wise leader seizes the moment of approach to teach, protect, and guide, knowing that this window of closeness will not last forever. In modern terms, Approach applies to mentorship, seasonal opportunities, launch periods, and any time when circumstances align for meaningful connection and influence.

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