How to Avoid Failing in Good Times? Yu Hexagram (Enthusiasm) Explains the "Joy Turns to Sorrow" Truth
The Yu Hexagram (Enthusiasm) has Zhen (The Arousing) above and Kun (The Receptive) below, forming the image of thunder rising above the earth. When thunder rumbles over the ground, all things are stirred and invigorated. Its Hexagram Judgment states it is favorable to enfeoff a feudal lord and dispatch armies, seeming like a perfect prime time. Yet the most incisive warning of this hexagram comes later: indulging in ease and comfort will soon lead to misfortune. This hexagram explores how to avoid blunders in favorable circumstances.
The Hexagram of Enthusiasm follows the Hexagram of Modesty. "Qian" (Modesty) means being humble; after humility comes recognition, and recognition brings joy — that is what "Yu" (Enthusiasm) means.
But the Hexagram of Enthusiasm is not here just to make you happy. It is here to remind you: when joy goes too far, trouble is not far behind.
The Imagery of the Hexagram of Enthusiasm
Zhen (The Arousing) is above, Kun (The Receptive) is below — thunder rises above the earth. Thunder crashes above the ground, rousing all living things in a scene of jubilation. That is "Yu" — joy, ease, excitement.
The Hexagram Judgment says "利建侯行师" (It furthers the establishment of feudal lords and the deployment of armies) — it is a time fit for enfeoffment and military campaigns, seemingly the perfect moment to give full play to your abilities. But Wen Laoshi points out that this is exactly where the greatest danger of the Hexagram of Enthusiasm lies: you are so caught up in your smooth run that you forget about risks.
The True Meaning of the Hexagram of Enthusiasm
The core of the Hexagram of Enthusiasm is not "joy", but "precaution".
When you are in favorable circumstances with everything going well, what is the easiest mistake to make? It is letting your guard down. You think everything is fine, that you can relax and enjoy yourself. But the I Ching (Book of Changes) tells you: the smoother things go, the more vigilant you must be.
The Xiang Commentary (Images) says "先王以作樂崇德" (The ancient kings created music to exalt virtue). It sounds like a celebration, but what it really means is: even in times of joy, there must be moderation, and joy must be tied to "virtue".
What the Hexagram of Enthusiasm Teaches You
To put it plainly, there are three lessons.
First, favorable circumstances test people more than adversity. In adversity, you know you have to fight tooth and nail; in good times, you do not know when to pull back. What the Hexagram of Enthusiasm teaches you is to stay clear-headed when everything is going your way.
Second, joy is acceptable, but excessive joy is not. The "Yu" in the hexagram refers to delight, but delight has its limits. Cross that line, and you will end up with "extreme joy begets sorrow".
Third, use favorable circumstances to do meaningful work. "利建侯行师" (It furthers the establishment of feudal lords and the deployment of armies) — seize the good times to get important work done, build your team, and lay solid foundations. Do not waste the good times on indulgence, extravagance, or letting your guard down.
A Final Word
The Hexagram of Enthusiasm is one of the most easily misinterpreted hexagrams.
Wen Laoshi says many people assume "Yu" is purely a good thing. It is a good thing, but there are traps hidden within good fortune. The real mark of capability is being able to avoid missteps even when everything is going smoothly.