53–Wood over Mountain: Jian, Developing

Decision (by King Wen) translated by Pearson:
Developing Gradually.
The maiden is given in marriage.
Good fortune.
Favorable to be steadfast and upright.

Image commentary (by Duke of Zhao) translated by Wing: “The penetrating (wood) is upon the immobile (mountain) forming the condition for Developing. An enlightened person, therefore, operates in good conduct and so elevates the social order.”

The Yao text discussing each line describes the progress of a swan (Huang) or goose (Pearson) at the shore, cliff, plateau, hills, and finally in the sky, or the travails of a married couple.

Huang explains the ideograph: The Jian was a river originating in Dan-Yang in the Kingdom of Zhou in central China that gradually becomes vast as it flows to the ocean. If the seal script for “water” or “river” from Jian is rotated to be horizontal it becomes the gua for K’an, “water”.

Personal Notes

What a pleasure to attempt painting the roots entangled in the mountain soil! It gave meaning to Wing’s description of the “penetrating wood” and “immobile mountain” and grounds for thinking about how slowly change can develop in significant ways. The image of the tree feeds the idea of “steadfast and upright” used in Pearson’s translation. Similarly, the image of a river that gradually gains strength feeds reflection on persistent and relentless growth.

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