Biting Through
「 Biting Through has success. It furthers one to let justice be administered. 」
Judgment
Biting Through has success. It furthers one to let justice be administered.
Hexagram 21, Biting Through, speaks to the fundamental necessity of removing obstacles to restore the flow of life and justice. The image of an obstruction caught between the teeth symbolizes the inevitable friction that arises within any dynamic system, whether a society or the human psyche. The judgment "Prosperous, beneficial to use legal proceedings" is not merely a call for punishment, but a profound assertion that clarity and order require decisive action against corruption or stagnation.
True prosperity cannot exist amidst chaos or unchecked transgression. Like thunder moving beneath fire, this hexagram suggests that illumination must be paired with vigorous enforcement. To "bite through" is to confront the uncomfortable truth that peace is often maintained through the rigorous application of law and the courage to resolve conflicts. It is a philosophy of active resolution: one cannot simply ignore the barrier; one must dismantle it. Thus, this hexagram champions the enlightened use of authority to clear the path, ensuring that justice serves as the structural integrity of a thriving community.
Structure
His feet are fastened in the stocks, so that his toes disappear. No blame.
Bites through tender meat, so that his nose disappears. No blame.
Bites on old dried meat and strikes on something poisonous. Slight humiliation. No blame.
Bites on dried gristly meat. Receives metal arrows. It furthers one to be mindful of difficulties and to be persevering. Good fortune.
Bites on dried lean meat. Receives yellow gold. Perseveringly aware of danger. No blame.
His neck is fastened in the wooden cangue, so that his ears disappear. Misfortune.