Outline（大纲）
- Hexagram Identification
- Keywords
- Historical Context
- Core Interpretation
- Symbolic Representation
- Qualities and Attributes
- Line-by-Line Analysis
- Comparative Analogies
- Related Resources
- Modern Relevance & Guidance
- Essence Summary
Hexagram Identification
- Number: 40
- Chinese Name (Pinyin): 解 (Jiě)
- English Name: Release
- Symbol & Structure: ䷧ (Kǎn 坎 below, Zhèn 震 above). The lower trigram Kǎn represents Water (水 shuǐ, danger, depth), and the upper trigram Zhèn represents Thunder (雷 léi, movement, initiation). Together, they form “Thunder over Water” (雷水解 léi shuǐ jiě), symbolizing the explosive energy of thunder breaking through stagnant water—release after hardship, like a storm clearing the air.
Keywords
- Release (解): Letting go of constraints
- Liberation (解脱): Freedom from emotional or practical bonds
- Resolution (解决): Transforming conflict into harmony
- Healing (治愈): Recovering from wounds, seen or unseen
- Renewal (新生): Rebirth through release
- Adaptive Action (变通): Moving decisively to break stagnation
- Forgiveness (宽恕): Freeing others—and oneself—from resentment
- Elastic Resilience (弹性): Bouncing back with renewed energy
Historical Context
Jiě appears as the 40th hexagram in the I Ching, following Jiǎn (Hardship, 39th hexagram) and preceding Gēn (Keeping Still, 41st hexagram). Its name “解” means “to release,” “to resolve,” or “to untie,” focusing on how to break free from obstacles and restore flow. The judgment “Jiě: 利西南，无所往，其来复吉；有攸往，夙吉” (“Release: Beneficial to go southwest [smooth ground]; if no direction, returning brings good fortune; if moving forward, acting early brings good fortune”) emphasizes timing and decisive action in overcoming stagnation.
Classic interpretations include:
- Wang Bi (魏晋・王弼) in Commentary on the I Ching (《周易注》) described Jiě as “action that escapes danger” (动而免乎险 dòng ér miǎn hū xiǎn), noting that release requires both courage (Zhèn’s thunder) and awareness (Kǎn’s water).
- Kong Yingda (唐・孔颖达) in Zhouyi 正义 (《周易正义》) linked the hexagram to “pardoning mistakes” (赦过宥罪 shè guò yòu zuì), reflecting ancient Chinese legal concepts of mercy alongside justice.
- Zhu Xi (宋・朱熹) in The Meaning of the I Ching (《周易本义》) stressed “softening rigidity through movement” (以动解塞 yǐ dòng jiě sè), advising that release comes not from force, but from strategic, well-timed action.
Historically, Jiě was used to analyze natural disasters, political reforms, and personal healing, emphasizing that release is a natural response to prolonged hardship.
Core Interpretation
Jiě embodies the principle of “liberation through dynamic balance”. Kǎn’s Water (Yin, danger) below symbolizes the depths of 困境，while Zhèn’s Thunder (Yang, movement) above represents the explosive energy of release. The hexagram’s six lines describe stages of untangling knots—from initial small releases (初九) to profound transformation (上六), guided by the wisdom to act when conditions ripen.
- Yin-Yang Dynamics: Three Yang lines (active, initiating) and three Yin lines (receptive, resolving) symbolize the interplay of action (Zhèn) and awareness (Kǎn). The 2nd Yin line (九二) and 5th Yang line (六五) form a critical connection, showing that softness (Yin) can unlock rigid Yang energy when paired with decisive movement.
- Five Elements: Kǎn (Water) belongs to 水 shuǐ, Zhèn (Thunder) to 木 mù. Water nourishes Wood (水生木 shuǐ shēng mù), symbolizing that release (Thunder) arises from the depths of reflection (Water), leading to new growth.
Symbolic Representation
Natural Symbolism
- Thunder Over Water (雷水): A storm breaking over a lake—thunder (Zhèn) agitates the water (Kǎn), dissolving stagnation and oxygenating the depths, mirroring nature’s cycle of release (e.g., spring melting winter ice).
- Unfolding Buds: A plant breaking through soil after rain, symbolizing how release (from winter’s cold) enables new life, echoing Jiě’s theme of renewal.
Social Symbolism
In human affairs, Jiě applies to:
- Conflict Resolution: A team resolving long-standing tensions through an open dialogue, like thunder clearing the air of misunderstandings.
- Personal Breakthrough: A person quitting a toxic job (releasing professional stagnation) to pursue a passion, embodying the hexagram’s shift from Kǎn’s danger to Zhèn’s new beginnings.
Cultural Symbolism
- Confucian Harmony: The hexagram aligns with Confucius’ teaching of “releasing resentment through understanding” (以直报怨 yǐ zhí bào yuàn), promoting reconciliation over revenge.
- Taoist Flow: Laozi’s “the way of heaven is to restore balance” (天之道，损有余而补不足 tiān zhī dào, sǔn yǒu yú ér bǔ bù zú) is reflected in Jiě’s imagery, where thunder (Yang) and water (Yin) interact to restore natural order.
- Artistic Metaphor: Traditional Chinese ink paintings often depict mountain streams breaking through rocks, symbolizing release as a force of both power and grace.
Qualities and Attributes
Jiě celebrates virtues that transform stagnation into flow:
- Decisive Timing (及时行动): Like thunder striking at the right moment, acting when conditions are ripe (e.g., addressing a team conflict as soon as tensions surface).
- Compassionate Letting Go (宽容释怀): Forgiving others’ mistakes without judgment, as seen in the 九二爻’s “田获三狐”—releasing grudges to make space for trust.
- Adaptive Energy (变通之力): Flexibility in methods while staying true to goals, such as a musician pivoting to online performances during a pandemic.
- Hopeful Rebirth (新生之望): Trusting that release paves the way for growth, like a phoenix rising from ashes.
Line-by-Line Analysis
1st Yang Line (初九：无咎，以往解)
“No blame; go forth to release.”
Meaning: Small, early actions prevent bigger problems.
Guidance: In a cluttered workspace, start with a 10-minute cleanup—small releases build momentum for larger changes.
2nd Yin Line (九二：田获三狐，得黄矢，贞吉)
“Hunting three foxes in the field, finding a golden arrow; correct and auspicious.”
Meaning: Root out hidden issues (foxes) with clarity (golden arrow) for lasting resolution.
Guidance: In a team project, address unspoken conflicts (e.g., “I notice we’re avoiding this topic”) to clear the way for collaboration.
3rd Yin Line (六三：负且乘，致寇至，贞吝)
“Carrying goods on a noble’s carriage, inviting robbers; correct but problematic.”
Meaning: Pretending to be something you’re not attracts trouble—stay authentic.
Guidance: In job applications, avoid exaggerating skills (e.g., “I’m fluent in Python” when basic) to prevent future challenges.
4th Yang Line (九四：解而拇，朋至斯孚)
“Release your big toe; friends arrive with trust.”
Meaning: Let go of minor stubbornness to welcome support.
Guidance: In a family debate, concede a small point (e.g., “You’re right about the timeline”) to build goodwill for bigger issues.
5th Yang Line (六五：君子维有解，吉；有孚于小人)
“The noble person releases with integrity; even petty people trust.”
Meaning: Lead with fairness to earn trust, even from difficult people.
Guidance: As a manager, handle conflicts impartially (e.g., “Let’s look at the data”) to maintain team respect.
6th Yin Line (上六：公用射隼于高墉之上，获之，无不利)
“The duke shoots a falcon from a high wall, capturing it; no disadvantage.”
Meaning: Confront entrenched problems decisively for complete release.
Guidance: In a toxic relationship, set clear boundaries (e.g., “I need space to heal”) to break destructive patterns.
Comparative Analogies
Ecology
- Forest Canopy Gap: A fallen tree creates a gap, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor—release of space leads to new plant growth, mirroring Jiě’s “renewal through release.”
- Volcanic Eruption: Lava breaking through earth releases pent-up energy, reshaping the landscape—destruction as a catalyst for creation, similar to the hexagram’s Thunder-Water interplay.
Management
In organizational change, Jiě advises “strategic release”:
- Bureaucracy Reduction: Companies like Google eliminating unnecessary meetings (releasing time) to boost employee creativity, echoing the 初九爻’s “small releases.”
- Conflict Mediation: Using the 六五爻’s “noble release” by involving neutral third parties (e.g., mediators) to resolve team disputes with fairness.
Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and releasing negative thought patterns (e.g., “I’m not good enough”) aligns with the 九二爻’s “finding the golden arrow”—targeting root causes of distress.
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like breathwork (releasing tension) reflect Jiě’s focus on physical and emotional liberation, as seen in the 上六爻’s “capturing the falcon”—mastering inner chaos.
Related Resources
- Classic Translations
- I Ching: The Book of Changes (Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, 1950) – Describes Jiě as “deliverance” and emphasizes the importance of timing in resolving conflicts.
- The I Ching: A New Translation (John Minford, 2014) – Highlights the hexagram’s focus on “dynamic release” and its relevance to personal and societal transformation.
- Modern Studies
- Conflict Resolution in Chinese Philosophy (Chen Lai, 2018) – Explores Jiě’s influence on Confucian concepts of “liberation through justice.”
- Taoist Techniques of Letting Go (Livia Kohn, 2010) – Connects the hexagram to Taoist practices of “untying the knots of the heart” through meditation and acceptance.
- Authoritative Websites
- I Ching Online (https://www.ichingonline.net) – Offers practical strategies for applying Jiě to personal and professional release, with step-by-step guides.
- Harvard Negotiation Project (https://www.pon.harvard.edu) – Guides to conflict resolution, aligned with the hexagram’s focus on collaborative release of tension.
- Psychology Today – Letting Go (https://www.psychologytoday.com) – Articles on emotional liberation, echoing Jiě’s themes of forgiveness and renewal.
Modern Relevance & Guidance
Workplace & Leadership
- Proactive Problem-Solving: Use the 初九爻’s “以往解”—address minor issues immediately (e.g., a confusing workflow) to prevent them from escalating.
- Cultural Renewal: Leaders can release outdated norms (e.g., rigid 9-to-5 schedules) like the 上六爻’s “shooting the falcon,” adopting flexible work models to boost morale.
- Transparent Communication: Emulate the 六五爻’s “noble release” by sharing challenges openly (e.g., “Our budget is tight, but here’s our plan”) to build trust during crises.
Personal Growth
- Emotional Detox: Practice the 九二爻’s “hunting foxes”—journal to identify and release toxic thoughts (e.g., “I’m a failure”) that block progress.
- Physical Release: Incorporate movement (e.g., yoga, dancing) to embody Zhèn’s thunder—active release of stress, as seen in the 九四爻’s “解而拇” (loosening stubbornness).
Relationships
- Conflict Resolution: Use the 六三爻’s warning against pretense—be honest about needs (e.g., “I feel unheard when…”) to avoid attracting resentment.
- Forgiveness Practice: Channel the 六五爻’s “trust from 小人”—offer compassion even to difficult people (e.g., “I don’t agree, but I respect your view”) to defuse tension.
Risk Warning
- Avoid Premature Release: The hexagram cautions against the 六三爻’s “inviting robbers”—don’t rush to let go of something valuable (e.g., a viable project) due to impatience.
- Balance Action and Reflection: Like Thunder and Water, release requires both movement (Zhèn) and awareness (Kǎn). Don’t just “do” without thinking (e.g., quitting a job without a plan) or overthink without acting (analysis paralysis).
Essence Summary
Jiě, the Hexagram of Release, reveals a profound truth: life’s greatest transformations begin with the courage to untangle what binds us—whether it’s a stubborn habit, a lingering grudge, or a stifling situation. Its image of Thunder over Water teaches us that release is not mere escape, but a dynamic dance between awareness (Water’s depth) and action (Thunder’s power), allowing us to break free from stagnation while honoring the wisdom of timing.
In a world often trapped in cycles of accumulation—of stress, resentment, and unfulfilled expectations—Jiě offers a liberating reminder: to grow, we must first let go. This may mean releasing a toxic relationship, quitting a soul-sucking job, or simply forgiving ourselves for past mistakes. Like a storm that clears the air, release creates space for new possibilities to emerge, whether in the form of renewed creativity, deeper connections, or a sense of purpose long buried under obligation.
Ultimately, Jiě celebrates the beauty of elasticity—the ability to bend under pressure, then bounce back stronger. It invites us to see release not as an end, but as a beginning: the first step on a path where obstacles become opportunities, and every act of letting go paves the way for a more vibrant, authentic life. Whether in the boardroom, the family home, or the quiet recesses of the heart, the hexagram’s wisdom is timeless: the power to release is the power to renew—and in that renewal, we discover the courage to live unburdened, unbound, and truly free.