Hexagram 26 — Great Taming (大畜)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 26—Great Taming (Dà Xù): Restrain great power for the right moment.
Da Xu is great taming and storage — heaven in the mountain, virtue accumulated deeply. Learn from the past to store character; stop with measure until the highway opens.
The Judgment
利贞，不家食吉，利涉大川。
Lì zhēn, bù jiā shí jí, lì shè dà chuān.
“Perseverance furthers. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It furthers to cross the great water.”
In plain terms: Restrain great power for the right moment.
The Image
天在山中，大畜；君子以多识前言往行，以畜其德。
Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà xù; jūnzǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ xù qí dé.
“Heaven within the mountain — the noble person learns much from words and deeds of the past to store virtue.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- Danger — favorable to stop.
- Cart axle removed — stop and adjust.
- Good horses chase — hardship, steadfastness; practice chariot defense; undertaking furthers.
- Young bull's horn guard — supreme good fortune.
- Castrated boar's tusks — good fortune.
- Heaven's highway — success.
In Daily Life
When Great Taming appears in reflection, consider:
- Store deeply — don't rush to spend
- Guard the young bull early — set limits
- Not eating at home — share talent beyond private comfort
Practical scenarios:
- Advanced study — learn from past words and deeds
- Capital accumulation — stop when dangerous; measure matters
- Talent development — early guidance like horn guards
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, Great Taming is often associated with the Northwest and the Metal phase.
Lower Qian (northwest) and upper Gen (northeast). Heaven in mountain — vigorous northwest, stable northeast for great storage.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
Great Taming reminds us: Restrain great power for the right moment. What is this pattern asking of you right now?