Hexagram 22: Grace (賁 Bì) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 22 (賁 Grace)?

I Ching Hexagram 22, 賁 (Bì), represents Grace. It is formed by Mountain (艮 Gèn) above, Fire (離 Lí) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Grace has success. In small matters, it is favorable to undertake something....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 22 mean?

The Image states: 'Fire at the foot of the mountain: the image of Grace. Thus does the superior man proceed when clearing up current affairs. But he dare not decide controversial issues in this way.' 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 22 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 Grace 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 22 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 22 (Grace) follows Hexagram 21 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

賁

Bì — Hexagram 22

Grace

Mountain (艮 Gèn) above, Fire (離 Lí) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 22, 賁 (Bì), represents Grace. Formed by Mountain (艮 Gèn) above, Fire (離 Lí) below, this hexagram teaches about grace. The core message: Grace has success. In small matters, it is favorable to undertake something..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 22 is formed by Mountain (艮 Gèn) above, Fire (離 Lí) 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

Grace has success. In small matters, it is favorable to undertake something.

— I Ching, Grace

The Image

Fire at the foot of the mountain: the image of Grace. Thus does the superior man proceed when clearing up current affairs. But he dare not decide controversial issues in this way.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: He lends grace to his toes, leaves the carriage, and walks.

Line 2: Line 2: Lends grace to the beard on his chin.

Line 3: Line 3: Graceful and moist. Constant perseverance brings good fortune.

Line 4: Line 4: Grace or simplicity? A white horse comes as if on wings. He is not a robber, he will woo at the right time.

Line 5: Line 5: Grace in the hills and gardens. The roll of silk is meager and small. Humiliation, but in the end good fortune.

Line 6: Line 6: Simple grace. No blame.

Modern Application

Hexagram 22 is about the relationship between form and substance. Fire illuminating the base of a mountain gives objects their visible form — it is the hexagram of beauty, art, and culture. Yet it carries a warning: grace adorns but does not transform. The hexagram teaches that form should serve substance, not replace it. The final line returns to simplicity: true grace is understated. In modern terms, Grace applies to design, presentation, branding, social etiquette, and any situation where how something appears matters — but must not eclipse what it actually is.

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