Hexagram 51: The Arousing
Outer trigram (upper)
Chấn
Thunder · Wood
Inner trigram (lower)
Chấn
Thunder · Wood
Judgment
震：亨．震來虩虩，笑言啞啞．震驚百里，不喪匕鬯.
Translation
Thunder: success. The thunder arrives and brings fright, then laughter and easy conversation follow. Thunder shakes the land for a hundred miles, yet the ceremonial ladle and wine are not dropped.
Commentary
Both the upper and lower trigrams are Thunder — one clap following another. The shock of thunder is startling, but the noble person lets that fright prompt self-examination and correction, and finds ease again afterward. Even amid the alarm of thunder, the sacred rite continues uninterrupted — a sign of composure held firm under pressure.
Line Readings
Line 1 (yang)
初九：震來虩虩，後笑言啞啞，吉.
Translation
The thunder arrives and brings fright, but afterward come laughter and easy conversation. Good fortune.
Commentary
At the very bottom, this line is startled by the sudden thunder, but uses the fright to correct itself, and afterward regains calm and good spirits. Good fortune.
Line 2 (yin)
六二：震來厲，億喪貝，躋于九陵，勿逐，七日得.
Translation
The thunder arrives with danger, and a great sum of wealth is lost. One climbs to the safety of nine hills. Do not chase after what is lost — it will return within seven days.
Commentary
This yin line is jolted by the thunder rising from line 1 below, bringing danger and loss. Retreating to high ground is wise, and there is no need to chase what has slipped away — it will find its own way back in time.
Line 3 (yin)
六三：震蘇蘇，震行无眚.
Translation
The thunder leaves one shaken and weak-kneed, but moving forward through the thunder brings no disaster.
Commentary
Neither centered nor correctly placed, this line trembles with fear when the thunder strikes. But letting that fear translate into careful action keeps disaster away.
Line 4 (yang)
九四：震遂泥.
Translation
The thunder's force sinks into the mud.
Commentary
Caught between two yin lines, this yang line has its strength swallowed up as if by mud, and its resolve is unable to find any outlet.
Line 5 (yin)
六五：震往來厲，億无喪，有事.
Translation
Thunder rolls back and forth in danger, yet on reflection nothing is truly lost — there is important work still to be done.
Commentary
This yin line holds the position of honor but is surrounded by the danger of rolling thunder. By staying cautious and holding its proper place, nothing is lost, though important matters still demand attention.
Line 6 (yin)
上六：震索索，視矍矍，征凶，震不于其躬，于其鄰，无咎，婚媾有言.
Translation
The thunder leaves one trembling, eyes darting about in ceaseless anxiety. Pressing forward brings misfortune. The thunder strikes the neighbor rather than oneself — no blame, though there is talk regarding a marriage.
Commentary
At the furthest extreme, this line still trembles even after the thunder has passed. The blow falls on a neighbor rather than on oneself; remaining cautious and not pressing forward rashly keeps one free of blame.