Hexagram 11 · Line 2
Peace — 二六
Tai · Er Liu
The Line
To bear with the uncultivated in gentleness, to cross the river resolutely, not to neglect what is far, not to favor one's companions: thus one may succeed in walking in the middle.
Interpretation
In times of flourishing it is above all important that one possess the inner greatness to bear with the imperfect as well. For a great master knows no unfruitful material. They can still make something of everything. But this broadheartedness is by no means negligence or weakness. Precisely in times of flourishing one must always be ready to dare even perilous undertakings, such as crossing a river, when they are necessary. Likewise one must not neglect the distant, but attend to everything with punctuality. One must particularly guard against partisanship and cliquishness. For even though the like-minded come forth together, they must not form a party through mutual clinging; each must do their duty. It is by these four things that one can overcome the hidden danger of gradual slackening, which lurks in every time of peace, and in this way one finds the right middle of action.