The Binding Contract ䷵

“Terms of service — accepting binding constraints to access the larger system.”

commitmentsubordinationacceptancearrangementcontractbinding

Trigram Composition

Upper Trigram

☳

☳ Thunder (Zhen)

Lower Trigram

☱

☱ Lake (Dui)

Binary Structure

Line 6

Yin (0)

Line 5

Yin (0)

Line 4

Yang (1)

Line 3

Yin (0)

Line 2

Yang (1)

Line 1

Yang (1)

Binary: 110100

Hexagram Meaning

䷵

The Oracle Speaks

Thunder over lake — the younger daughter follows the elder. The marrying maiden. Undertakings bring misfortune. Nothing that would further. Entering a binding arrangement from a subordinate position. The terms of service you must accept. Know your position within the contract; work within it faithfully. Great things come from accepting the framework's constraints.

The Six Lines — Changing Line Oracles

When a line is “changing” (old yin or old yang), its oracle activates. These texts reveal the specific mutation occurring at that position in the hexagram.

Line 1 (Yang — solid) — Bottom

The marrying maiden as a concubine. A lame man who can tread. Undertakings bring good fortune. Subordinate position, limited mobility, but still productive.

Line 2 (Yang — solid)

A one-eyed man who can see. The perseverance of a solitary man furthers. Partial vision is better than none. Work with what you have.

Line 3 (Yin — broken)

The marrying maiden as a slave. She marries as a concubine. The lowest position within the contract — accept it or leave.

Line 4 (Yang — solid)

The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time. A late marriage comes in due course. Delayed commitment eventually finds the right moment.

Line 5 (Yin — broken)

Emperor Yi gave his daughter in marriage. The embroidered garments of the princess were not as gorgeous as those of the servingmaid. The moon that is nearly full brings good fortune. True worth over appearance.

Line 6 (Yin — broken) — Top

The woman holds the basket, but there are no fruits. The man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows. Nothing that acts to further. Empty ceremony — the contract has no substance.