Hexagram 29 · Line 4
The Abysmal — 四六
Kan · Si Liu
The Line
A jug of wine, a dish of rice as an addition, earthenware, simply handed in through the window. That is in no way a blame.
Interpretation
In times of danger elaborate forms cease. The main thing is the truthful disposition. An official normally needs, before being installed, certain introductory gifts and recommendations. Here everything is simplified to the utmost. The gifts are meager, a recommender is not at hand, one introduces oneself, and yet one need not be ashamed of any of this, if only one has the honest intention to help one another in danger. Another thought is further suggested: the window is the place through which brightness comes into the room. If in difficult times one wishes to enlighten someone, one must begin with what is immediately clear and bright, and from there proceed quite simply. (Note: The usual translation "two dishes of rice" has been emended on the basis of Chinese commentaries.)