大壯
Hexagram 34 · 大壯
Upper trigram: 震 · Lower trigram: 乾
Da Zhuang (Great Power): the hexagram of growing strength. Use capacity with restraint and distinguish a clear opening from forced progress.
The image
Thunder moves above heaven, joining forceful motion with creative strength. Four yang lines grow from the base beneath two yin lines. Da Zhuang means great power or vigorous strength. The image asks whether increased capacity is guided by propriety and proportion.
Judgment
利貞。
Constancy is beneficial.
The commentary defines greatness through uprightness rather than raw force. A skilled negotiator often serves the work better by proposing fair terms than by using every available advantage against the other side.
Great Image
雷在天上，大壯；君子以非禮弗履。
Thunder above heaven: Great Power. The exemplary person accordingly does not tread where conduct is improper.
Ability does not remove the need for limits. A manager with authority to change schedules can still consult the people whose family arrangements would be affected.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
壯于趾，征凶，有孚。
Power in the toes. Advancing brings misfortune. This is trustworthy.
Nine in the first place is yang eager to move before strength has a sound direction. The Small Image finds that impulse exhausted, like pushing for a promotion before understanding the responsibilities involved.
Line 2 · 九二
貞吉。
Constancy brings good fortune.
Nine in the second place is central yang able to moderate its force. The Small Image credits this centrality, like a capable colleague keeping a steady pace instead of competing over every task.
Line 3 · 九三
小人用壯，君子用罔，貞厲。羝羊觸藩，羸其角。
The petty person employs force; the exemplary person refrains from it. Constancy carries danger. A ram butts the hedge and entangles its horns.
Nine in the third place is strong yang tempted to turn strength into insistence. The Small Image contrasts attitudes to force, like a supervisor pressing a rejected plan until the team can no longer cooperate.
Line 4 · 九四
貞吉悔亡，藩決不羸，壯于大輿之輹。
Constancy brings good fortune and regret disappears. The hedge opens; there is no entanglement. Strength lies in the axle block of a great wagon.
Nine in the fourth place is yang whose movement now finds an opening. The Small Image permits advance, like a well-prepared team beginning work once approvals and support are actually in place.
Line 5 · 六五
喪羊于易，无悔。
Losing the ram with ease. No regret.
Six in the fifth place is central yin letting go of aggressive strength. The Small Image notes its unusual position, like a leader discovering that an old competitive posture is no longer needed to coordinate capable people.
Line 6 · 上六
羝羊觸藩，不能退，不能遂，无攸利，艱則吉。
A ram butts the hedge. It cannot retreat or advance. Nothing is beneficial. Recognizing difficulty brings good fortune.
Six at the top is yin caught at power's limit without sufficient foresight. The Small Image allows the fault to end through difficulty, like admitting a plan is stuck and asking for help to unwind it.
When asking about
Career
Growing influence often needs stronger self-restraint. Use authority to remove obstacles rather than dominate colleagues.
Love
Strong wishes benefit from respectful limits. Make a clear request and allow a different answer.
Money
Greater capacity can encourage larger commitments. Check whether the foundation supports expansion before proceeding.
Home
Decisive action can help with practical tasks. Consult others before turning efficiency into unilateral control.
Study
Confidence often grows with competence. Keep checking understanding instead of relying on momentum alone.
Health
An energetic period still needs rest and regular sleep. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Let propriety guide strength before it becomes pressure. Advance through real openings, and release the urge to push when effort only creates entanglement.
Related hexagrams
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