Hexagram 35: Progress (晉 Jìn) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 35 (晉 Progress)?

I Ching Hexagram 35, 晉 (Jìn), represents Progress. It is formed by Fire (離 Lí) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Progress. The powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day he is granted audience three times....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 35 mean?

The Image states: 'The sun rises over the earth: the image of Progress. Thus the superior man himself brightens his bright virtue.' 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 35 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 Progress 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 35 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 35 (Progress) follows Hexagram 34 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

晉

Jìn — Hexagram 35

Progress

Fire (離 Lí) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 35, 晉 (Jìn), represents Progress. Formed by Fire (離 Lí) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below, this hexagram teaches about progress. The core message: Progress. The powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day he is granted audience three times..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 35 is formed by Fire (離 Lí) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) 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

Progress. The powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day he is granted audience three times.

— I Ching, Progress

The Image

The sun rises over the earth: the image of Progress. Thus the superior man himself brightens his bright virtue.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: Progressing, but turned back. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake.

Line 2: Line 2: Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Then one obtains great happiness from one's ancestress.

Line 3: Line 3: All are in accord. Remorse disappears.

Line 4: Line 4: Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger.

Line 5: Line 5: Remorse disappears. Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything serves to further.

Line 6: Line 6: Making progress with the horns is permissible only for the purpose of punishing one's own city. To be conscious of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation.

Modern Application

Hexagram 35 is the image of the rising sun illuminating the earth — steady, inevitable progress. Unlike the explosive power of Hexagram 34, Progress is gradual, like dawn that cannot be rushed but cannot be stopped. The hexagram teaches that true advancement comes from inner illumination (Fire) grounded in receptive humility (Earth). The powerful prince who receives honors in a single day represents the moment when sustained effort is recognized. In modern terms, Progress applies to career advancement, personal growth, social movements, and any situation where steady forward movement builds toward visible success.

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