xiánAlso known as “Influence” (Wilhelm/Baynes) and “Hsien” (Legge)
influenceattractionmutual response
In plain words
Lake on the mountain: the mountain yields and the lake moistens it — mutual attraction. Success; taking a wife brings good fortune; influence that comes from genuine, emptied-out receptiveness.
The attitude it asks for
Let attraction be sincere and unhurried; influence others by openness rather than calculation.
Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.
Hsien is here used in the sense of Kan, meaning (mutually) influencing.
The weak (trigram) above, and the strong one below; their two influences moving and responding to each other, and thereby forming a union; the repression (of the one) and the satisfaction (of the other); (with their relative position), where the male is placed below the female:—all these things convey the notion of 'a free and successful course (on the fulfilment of the conditions), while the advantage will depend on being firm and correct, as in marrying a young lady, and there will be good fortune.'
Heaven and earth exert their influences, and there ensue the transformation and production of all things. The sages influence the minds of men, and the result is harmony and peace all under the sky. If we look at (the method and issues) of those influences, the true character of heaven and earth and of all things can be seen.
The Image
山上有澤，咸，君子以虛受人。
(The trigram representing) a mountain and above it that for (the waters of) a marsh form Hsien. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps his mind free from pre-occupation, and open to receive (the influences of) others.
爻辭 The six lines
When one line moves, the hexagram becomes another:
上六Six at the top
咸其輔頰舌。
The sixth line, divided, shows one moving his jaws and tongue.
Its symbolism
咸其輔頰舌，滕口說也。
'He moves his jaws and tongue:'—he (only) talks with loquacious mouth.
The fourth line, undivided, shows that firm correctness which will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose.
Its symbolism
貞吉悔亡，未感害也。憧憧往來，未光大也。
'Firm correctness will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance:'—there has not yet been any harm from (a selfish wish to) influence. 'He is unsettled in his movements:'—(his power to influence) is not yet either brilliant or great.
The third line, undivided, shows one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward (in this way) will cause regret.
Its symbolism
咸其股，亦不處也。志在隨人，所執下也。
'He moves his thighs:'—he still does not (want to) rest in his place. His will is set on 'following others:'—what he holds in his grasp is low.
The second line, divided, shows one moving the calves of his leg. There will be evil. If he abide (quiet in his place), there will be good fortune.
Its symbolism
雖凶居吉，順不害也。
Though 'there would be evil; yet, if he abide (quiet) in his place, there will be good fortune:'—through compliance (with the circumstances of his condition and place) there will be no injury.
Shown in the classical Chinese with James Legge's English (1882).
Questions about this hexagram
What does Hexagram 31, Sensing, mean?
Lake on the mountain: the mountain yields and the lake moistens it — mutual attraction. Success; taking a wife brings good fortune; influence that comes from genuine, emptied-out receptiveness.
Which trigrams form Sensing?
兌 above 艮 — lake over mountain. Its nuclear hexagram (lines 2–5) is 姤 Encounter.
What happens when a line of Sensing changes?
A moving line turns the hexagram into another one; the list above shows all six. With several moving lines, the guide to changing lines explains which text to read.
How do I get Sensing in a reading?
Build six lines from the bottom up with three coins or yarrow stalks; the pattern - - - - — — — - - is Sensing. You can also cast a reading here — the lines are decided by code, the text is this page's.