Approach
临
Upper: 坤/地 | Lower: 兑/泽
Overview
Lin (Approach) is the nineteenth hexagram of the I Ching, composed of Lake (Dui) below and Earth (Kun) above. Earth above the lake symbolizes the great earth overlooking the marsh waters—approaching from a position of height. The character 'Lin' originally means to look down from above, extended to mean ruling, arriving, and facing. Lin carries dual meanings: first, a leader governing the people from an elevated position; second, good fortune approaching. The two yang lines at the bottom (first and second positions) gradually rise upward, symbolizing the waxing of yang energy and the revival of all things in the first lunar month (in the twelve sovereign hexagram system, Lin corresponds to the twelfth lunar month). The Sequence of Hexagrams states: 'Gu means affairs; when there are affairs, greatness can follow, hence Lin follows.' After rectifying corruption and expanding one's enterprise, one can approach the governance of all under heaven.
Judgment
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
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Get Approach ReadingJudgment Commentary
The judgment of Lin—'Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune'—combines great auspiciousness with a warning to remain vigilant in prosperity. 'Supreme success, perseverance furthers' with all four virtues indicates Lin is an extremely favorable hexagram—yang energy rises, enterprise flourishes, and the future is bright. Yet 'when the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune' introduces a sudden reversal, reminding us to contemplate the worst even in the best of times. 'Eighth month' has two interpretations: counting eight months from Lin (twelfth month) reaches Dun (Retreat), when yang begins to wane; alternatively, it refers to the literal eighth month. Regardless of interpretation, the core message is identical: the inevitable decline after reaching the peak is a natural law, and one must prepare for recession during the period of ascent.
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.
Image Commentary
The Image text—'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'—represents the highest principles of governance. 'Earth above the lake' depicts the great earth covering the marsh waters—the earth embraces all things with vast generosity, while the lake waters exist peacefully under the earth's shelter. The superior man emulates this pattern with two commitments: 'inexhaustible in his will to teach' means the dedication to educating the people never ceases, constantly contemplating how to better guide and instruct; 'without limits in tolerance and protection' means embracing and safeguarding the people without boundaries, treating all equally. 'Teaching' elevates; 'tolerance' embraces—combining both creates the ideal leadership approach: maintaining high standards while possessing a generous heart.
Interpretation
Lin symbolizes approach and oversight. Earth above the lake looks down. Yang energy grows, but at its peak decline begins — by the eighth month, misfortune comes.
Line Texts
Nine at the beginning: Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Approaching together in mutual influence. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The first nine, a yang line at the beginning of Lin, corresponds with the fourth six. 'Joint approach'—'joint' means mutual influence and inspiration. The first nine uses yang virtue to inspire the yielding fourth six, relying not on coercive power but on moral influence. 'Perseverance brings good fortune' indicates that maintaining the right path leads to auspiciousness. The first nine is the starting point of Lin's rising yang energy, symbolizing a leader's beginning of leading by example and winning respect through virtue. True leadership begins with inspiration rather than command, and the first nine exemplifies this 'inspirational leadership.'
Nine in the second place: Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.
Approaching together. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further.
The second nine, a yang line achieving centrality, corresponds with the fifth six—the most auspicious line in Lin. 'Joint approach, good fortune, everything is favorable'—a triple affirmation indicating that all the second nine's actions will succeed. The second nine is so fortunate because it possesses yang strength, occupies the central position with the virtue of the mean, and corresponds directly with the ruler's fifth position—combining capability, character, and opportunity. This represents the perfect state of 'right timing, right place, right people.' The second nine teaches us: when strength, character, and timing all align, act decisively without hesitation.
Six in the third place: Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve over it, one becomes free of blame.
A complacent approach brings no benefit. If one reflects with concern, blame is avoided.
The third six, a yin line atop the lower trigram, achieves neither centrality nor correctness. 'Sweet approach'—'sweet' means honeyed and ingratiating. The third six approaches matters with flattery and people-pleasing, lacking sincerity and substance. 'Nothing that would further' indicates this approach yields no benefit whatsoever. 'If one is already sad about it, no blame' offers a turning point: if one recognizes the problem and feels genuine concern, correcting course in time averts disaster. The lesson of the third six: leaders cannot maintain authority through flattering subordinates—false affability will eventually be seen through.
Six in the fourth place: Complete approach. No blame.
Approaching with full commitment. No blame.
The fourth six, a yin line at the base of the upper trigram, corresponds with the first nine. 'Complete approach'—'complete' means arriving personally, going in person. The fourth six personally visits the grassroots level to understand actual conditions. 'No blame' indicates this approach is faultless. Though occupying a high position (upper trigram), the fourth six is willing to humble itself and go to the front lines—an extremely valuable quality. The modern management concept of 'Management by Walking Around' is precisely the contemporary version of 'complete approach'—leaders cannot merely sit in offices but must go to where the action is.
Six in the fifth place: Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune.
Approaching with wisdom. This befits a great ruler. Good fortune.
The fifth six, a yin line in the ruler's position, corresponds with the second nine. 'Wise approach'—'wise' refers to governing through wisdom. Though inherently yielding, the fifth six understands how to leverage the second nine's yang strength—this understanding itself represents the greatest wisdom. 'This is what befits a great prince. Good fortune' indicates this is the proper conduct for a great ruler, supremely auspicious. The fifth six's leadership philosophy is 'employing others' wisdom'—one need not personally handle everything; the key is knowing people and delegating well. Liu Bang said 'In strategy I am no match for Zhang Liang, in governance no match for Xiao He, in commanding armies no match for Han Xin'—a perfect exemplification of 'wise approach.'
Six at the top: Great-hearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.
Approaching with great-heartedness and sincerity. Good fortune. No blame.
The top six, a yin line at the extreme of Lin, represents the highest realm of approach. 'Magnanimous approach, good fortune, no blame'—'magnanimous' means sincere, honest, and generous. The top six approaches matters with the most genuine and wholehearted attitude. At the pinnacle of Lin, no techniques or stratagems are needed—only a sincere and generous heart. This embodies 'the great Way is simple'—the highest form of leadership is not clever calculation but treating others with sincerity. The top six's 'magnanimous approach' echoes the first nine's 'joint approach,' beginning with inspiration and concluding with generosity, completing the full cultivation of leadership.
Modern Application
Lin symbolizes a period of ascent, an excellent time for expansion and development. The first line's 'joint approach' encourages leading teams through inspiration, while the second line's 'joint approach brings good fortune, everything is favorable' is supremely auspicious. However, 'misfortune in the eighth month' reminds us to maintain risk reserves during rapid growth and avoid blind expansion. The fourth line's 'complete approach' represents personally going to the front lines to understand conditions—an excellent management practice
Lin symbolizes taking initiative and actively pursuing romance. The two rising yang lines represent passion and courage, making it ideal for confessions and advancing relationships. But heed the third line's 'sweet approach' warning—don't substitute honeyed words for genuine sincerity
rising yang energy indicates bullish markets, suitable for increasing positions and investing. But 'misfortune in the eighth month' is the most important investment advice—set profit-taking targets during bull markets and don't be greedy. The top line's 'magnanimous approach' advocates treating wealth with honest sincerity, avoiding speculation
Lin corresponds to the initial emergence of yang energy, ideal for beginning new fitness plans and wellness regimens. But progress gradually—don't rush for quick results
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Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
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Lin symbolizes approach and oversight. Earth above the lake looks down. Yang energy grows, but at its peak decline begins — by the eighth month, misfortune comes.
Get AI Reading →Historical Story
The most celebrated historical story associated with Lin is Emperor Taizong of Tang's 'Reign of Zhenguan.' After ascending the throne, Li Shimin constantly reminded himself that 'water can carry a boat but can also capsize it,' personally overseeing governance and humbly accepting remonstrance, realizing the ideal of 'inexhaustible in teaching, without limits in protecting the people.' He employed forthright ministers like Wei Zheng, never growing angry even when criticized to his face—demonstrating Lin's spirit of boundless tolerance. Another famous story is the Duke of Zhou's regency. After King Wu of Zhou died and the young King Cheng succeeded, the Duke of Zhou served as regent for seven years in his capacity as uncle, establishing ritual and music and enfeoffing lords, laying the foundation for the Zhou dynasty's eight-hundred-year legacy. After completing his mission, he voluntarily returned power to King Cheng—embodying the wisdom of 'misfortune in the eighth month': knowing when to step back.
Related Trigrams
临卦的错卦为遁卦（第33卦），临遁相对，进临与退遁互为表里；综卦为观卦（第20卦），临观相序，居上临下与仰观在上互为视角；互卦为复卦（第24卦），提醒临事要回归初心。
References
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Further Reading
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