Hexagram 15: Modesty
Humility, moderation
| Chinese | 謙 (Qiān) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Lower trigram | ☶ Mountain — Keeping Still (Earth) |
| Keywords | modesty, humility, balance, success |
| Opposite | Hexagram 10: Treading |
| Inverted | Hexagram 16: Enthusiasm |
What does Hexagram 15 (Modesty) mean?
Modesty 謙 (Qiān) is hexagram 15 of the I Ching, formed by Earth (The Receptive) over Mountain (Keeping Still). Its theme is humility, moderation, with key ideas of modesty, humility, balance, success. The Judgment reads: “Modesty creates success.”
The Judgment of Modesty
Modesty creates success.
The Image of Modesty
Within the earth, a mountain.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 15
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“A superior man modest about his modesty may with perseverance cross the great water. Good fortune.”
Genuine humility — undemonstrative and consistent — enables even great ventures. Double modesty is the most effective of all.
Six in the second place
“Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
When inner modesty becomes visible through conduct, it naturally attracts good outcomes.
Nine in the third place
“A superior man of merit and modesty carries things to conclusion. Good fortune.”
Real accomplishment combined with genuine humility is the rarest and most powerful combination.
Six in the fourth place
“Nothing that does not further modesty in movement.”
In all directions and activities, modest conduct finds no obstacle. Humility unlocks every path.
Six in the fifth place
“No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is favorable to attack with force. Nothing that does not further.”
Modesty does not mean passivity; the humble person still acts decisively when action is needed. Quiet strength corrects disorder.
Six at the top
“Modesty that comes to expression. It is favorable to set armies marching to chastise one's own city and one's country.”
Self-correction starts at home. The most sincere modesty turns its discipline inward before seeking to reform the world.
Will Modesty answer your question?
Cast the three coins yourself — the I Ching reading is free, no account needed.
Cast the I Ching →