11 Harmonising, Balancing (Mediation) In a context of perseverance we utilise trust-in-others

Trigrams : perseverance (bottom), dual-mindedness (top) : with/from perseverance comes dual-mindedness. [earth over heaven]

The mud from which 11 has emerged is best described by analogy to the under-stated qualities of hexagram 18 - correcting.

A situation focused on mediating and the need for balance/harmony.

Commentary :

Cooperative Format : In hexagram 11, through perseverance one develops trust through harmonizing/balancing. A time not for recuperation but for consideration of the things we are about to start. (From the Judgment : "The small departs, the great approaches"). From the context - by correcting the past we make small gains and thus achieve a sense of balance and harmony.

Oppositional Format : The dark shuts out the light.

Structural Relationship (Being) : Hexagram 11 is the opposite of hexagram 12, in that 11 reflects harmonising as compared to neutralising; potentials as compared to perceived sterility; affirmation as compared to confirmation.

Temporal Relationship (Doing) : The goal of 11 is hexagram 46 (or 'how do I 46? - 11' How to get more entangled, push up? harmonise/balance things)

Five-Phase Relationships : The trigram of Heaven reflects Exchange (by opposition, competition). The trigram of Earth reflects Filtration (through belief, given rules). Exchange through Filtration is here expressed as being 'balancing', 'harmonising'.

11 is the goal of 16 (or 'how do I 11? - 16' How do I harmonise/balance? Use foresight, enthusiasm, planning)

The I Ching tells us about hexagram 11:

Some PAIRINGS of hexagram 11 with other hexagrams:

• In the traditional sequence hexagram 11 pairs with hexagram 12.

This pairing reflects that of the binary sequence, where the overall focus is on balance, but in the context of the actions of the individual (11) vs that of the group (12). As such the balancing of 11, associated with the concept of harmonising, is subtly different from that of 12 where the focus is more on preservation of the group/faith. The yin nature overall serves as an agent of integration, of cooperation, and that is expressed in hexagram 11 where the focus is on an individual 'linking' things in harmony - the hexagram reflecting yin characteristics expressed in a yang context. The yang nature is more competitive and that is reflected in the yin context as a use of force, of competitiveness, to stop the attacks from outside. Note that the goal is to STOP rather than destroy others and so reflects the yin element of not being too competitive. With that in mind, notice that the goal in 11 is to BE the source of, the agent of, harmony, and as such be recognised for it and so assert one's perspective through one's acts of harmonising.

BALANCING/MEDIATING:

11 : balance - through (non development) - harmonise; 11 harmonising comes out of a context described by hexagram 18 - correcting (restore balance)

12 ; balance - through (non development) - neutralise; 12 neutralising comes out of a context described by hexagram 17 - following, gain a belief

• In the binary sequence hexagram 11 pairs with hexagram 26.

This pair focuses on issues of balance in a context of exaggeration, the exaggeration being in singlemindedness expressed by the trigram of heaven. Hexagram 11 has a focus on balance through unconditional harmonising through integrating. Hexagram 26 covers issues of differentiating where the focus is on retaining the elements of the past, traditions etc,, and so a focus on quality, on values (as reflected in the nature of the top trigram of 26, mountain) BUT with a warning in not becoming the past, the values as such are useful but should not replace or block development.

• In the binary sequence hexagram 11 opposes hexagram 12.

The main focus in this pairing is on balance. Hexagram 12 achieves balance through neutralising the attacks of others upon one's faith/beliefs. Hexagram 11 achieves balance through working on establishing harmony between things/people etc. Also see next entry.

At the LOCAL level we are dealing with an octet of hexagrams with the HEAVEN trigram as base. In this sequence hexagram 01, the singlemindedness, exaggerations-prone nature of yangness, 'opposes' hexagram 11, the focus on maintaining balance and harmony and as such the hard core, sharp distinction of, differentiation nature of 01 is reflected in a more balanced format by the integration nature of 11.

• In the traditional sequence hexagram 11 opposes hexagram 54.

This pairing reflects differences in the inharmonious, an 'out of balance' state (54) vs a focus on balance and so being harmonious (11).

• The generic properties of hexagram 11 reflect the mixing of the generic properties of hexagram 26 with the generic properties of hexagram 18.

The generic characteristics of 26 are in the form of holding firm to traditions but not to become 'traditional', we still need to 'look ahead'. These characteristics are mixed with those of hexagram 18, where the focus is on correcting any corruptions, on dealing firmly with neglect, cronyism, nepotism etc to ensure things keep developing in a 'true' and so 'harmonious' way. The result of the mixing is what we see in the characteristics of hexagram 11.

• In the variations on a theme sequence, hexagram 11 complements hexagram 46.

The overall focus is on linking things together - in 11 the emphasis is on harmonising but remaining 'in the middle'. Hexagram 46, on the other hand, focuses on harmonising through an increase in involvement, becoming more entangled with someone/something.

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