夬
Hexagram 43 · 夬
Upper trigram: 兌 · Lower trigram: 乾
Guai (Breakthrough): the hexagram of a necessary decision. State the issue openly, prepare carefully, and resolve it without aggression.
The image
The lake rises above heaven, gathering water at a height from which it must eventually flow. Five yang lines press toward a remaining yin line at the top. Guai means a decisive breaking through or resolution. The image concerns declaring a necessary change while refusing to let firmness become hostility.
Judgment
揚于王庭，孚號，有厲，告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。
Raise the matter in the royal court. Call out sincerely: there is danger. Make the announcement from one's own town. It is not beneficial to take up arms. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go.
The commentary joins decisiveness with harmony and warns against relying on armed force. A team confronting a recurring breach of standards often needs a transparent statement and a clear process rather than a campaign against a person.
Great Image
澤上于天，夬；君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。
The lake rises above heaven: Breakthrough. The exemplary person accordingly distributes benefits to those below and regards hoarding virtue as a danger.
What accumulates above needs a useful path outward. A senior colleague can share knowledge and opportunities instead of guarding them as personal property.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
壯于前趾，往不勝為咎。
Power in the forward toes. Going ahead without being equal to the task brings blame.
Nine in the first place is yang eager for action before preparation is sufficient. The Small Image locates blame in that mismatch, like publicly challenging a procedure before understanding the evidence and alternatives.
Line 2 · 九二
惕號，莫夜有戎，勿恤。
A watchful call. Armed disturbance at evening or night need not cause anxiety.
Nine in the second place is central yang with balanced preparedness. The Small Image credits its middle way, like keeping a clear response plan so an unexpected work problem need not produce panic.
Line 3 · 九三
壯于頄，有凶。君子夬夬，獨行遇雨，若濡有慍，无咎。
Strength in the cheekbones brings misfortune. The exemplary person is firmly decisive, walks alone, and meets rain. Though soaked and resented, there is no blame.
Nine in the third place is yang corresponding with the top yin despite a necessary separation. The Small Image permits a firm conclusion, like ending an unsuitable partnership without joining public anger against the former partner.
Line 4 · 九四
臀无膚，其行次且。牽羊悔亡，聞言不信。
The buttocks have no skin, and walking is hesitant. Being led like a sheep makes regret disappear, yet words are heard without belief.
Nine in the fourth place is yang out of position and reluctant to receive guidance. The Small Image questions its hearing, like an uncomfortable manager rejecting practical advice that would make a difficult transition easier.
Line 5 · 九五
莧陸夬夬，中行无咎。
The amaranth weed: be firmly decisive. Walking in the center brings no blame.
Nine in the fifth place is central yang close to the remaining yielding influence. The Small Image says its center is not fully bright, like a leader needing particular care when correcting a favored colleague's conduct.
Line 6 · 上六
无號，終有凶。
No cry goes up. In the end there is misfortune.
Six at the top is the last yin line at the end of its course. The Small Image says it cannot continue, like a failing arrangement whose defenders no longer offer an honest explanation or workable revision.
When asking about
Career
A recurring issue may require an explicit decision. State the facts and use a fair process rather than personal attack.
Love
Clarity can be kinder than prolonged ambiguity. Discuss the necessary boundary without using anger to force agreement.
Money
An unresolved commitment often needs a definite review. Gather records and decide through clear criteria.
Home
A household rule may need to be stated openly. Begin with your own conduct and apply the standard consistently.
Study
A decisive change of method can help when a weakness is clear. Prepare an alternative before abandoning the old approach.
Health
Clear limits on demands can leave room for rest. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Make the necessary decision visible and understandable. Prepare before acting, share useful resources, and keep firmness free from hostility.
Related hexagrams
Weighing a decision? Cast a hexagram for your own question.
Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.