Learning Chinese Philosophy the Tech Way: A Practical Approach to the I Ching (易經) - Concepts, Culture, and a C# Console App3

Introduction

Heard of the I Ching/Yijing (易經) but not sure where to start? Think it's just fortune-telling? In this hands-on guide, you'll learn what the I Ching is, how its core building blocks work (爻 line, 卦 Hexagram, 64卦 64 Hexagrams), how changing lines transform a reading, and how to experiment with it using a simple C# console application.

Our goal is not to "predict the future," but to learn a classical Chinese way of thinking with nature: observe patterns, act with timing, and reflect. By the end, you'll be able to cast a hexagram, read bilingual guidance, and plug a ready-to-use dataset into your app.

What Is the I Ching (易經)?

• The Classic: The I Ching (Book of Changes) is one of the oldest Chinese classics. It encodes how change unfolds in nature and human life using symbols, images, and judgments. Think of it as an operating system for patterns.
• Core Idea: Reality is dynamic. Opposites interrelate (陰 Yin / 陽 Yang), and change has phases. The I Ching gives a language to describe those phases so you can act appropriately.
• How It Speaks: It uses 6 stacked lines (爻 yao) to form a hexagram (卦 guà). Each hexagram has:
  • A name and number (1-64, King Wen sequence)
  • Judgment (卦辭): core message
  • Image (象曰): metaphor from nature
  • Line texts (爻辭): position-specific advice when lines "change"

Why the I Ching Still Matters Today

• Nature to Us: The I Ching maps natural processes - growth, stagnation, peak, decline - to human decisions. It's systems thinking before systems science.
• Timing, Not Forcing: You might be strong (Hex 34 大壯), but the right move could be restraint (Hex 26 大畜). You might be "almost there" (Hex 64 未濟), but the wise choice is to slow down.
• Decision Heuristics:
  • Observe the situation (觀, Hex 20)
  • Align with momentum (隨, Hex 17)
  • Conserve in stagnation (否, Hex 12)
  • Advance when harmony opens (泰, Hex 11)
• Practical Use: Strategy, leadership, product timing, team dynamics, conflict, personal habits - any area where timing and context matter.

What Is a 爻 (Yao, Line)?

• A yao is a single line:
  • Yang (陽): a solid line "━━━━━━" (active, firm)
  • Yin (陰): a broken line "━━ ━━" (receptive, open)
• Six lines stack from bottom (first) to top (sixth) to form a hexagram.
• Changing Lines:
  • Old Yang (9): solid line that changes to Yin
  • Old Yin (6): broken line that changes to Yang
  • Young lines (7, 8) do not change
• Why It Matters: Changing lines tell you where the situation is in motion. They generate a transformed hexagram (之卦) that shows "where it's heading."

What Is an 卦 (Gua, Hexagram)?

• Structure: 6 lines = 2 trigrams (upper 3 lines, lower 3 lines). The 8 trigrams (八卦) are:
  • 乾☰ (Heaven), 兌☱ (Lake), 離☲ (Fire), 震☳ (Thunder), 巽☴ (Wind/Wood), 坎☵ (Water), 艮☶ (Mountain), 坤☷ (Earth)
• Meaning: Each trigram is a natural image; combining two images creates a situation metaphor.
  • Example: Hex 63 既濟 (After Completion) = Water over Fire: "It's done, but keep vigilance."
• Interpretation Layers:
  • Judgment (big picture)
  • Image (how to act, like a leadership principle)
  • Lines (specific, if changing occurs)

How Do We Get the 64 Hexagrams?

• Two Classical Methods:
  1) Coin Method (three coins x 6 throws):
  How to score each throw
  Assign Heads = 2, Tails = 3. (This follows the traditional "正=2, 反=3" convention.)
  Add the three coin values to get one of four sums:
  6 = Old Yin (changing Yin) → broken line that will change to Yang
  7 = Young Yang (stable Yang) → solid line, no change
  8 = Young Yin (stable Yin) → broken line, no change
  9 = Old Yang (changing Yang) → solid line that will change to Yin
  How to build the hexagram
  You generate 6 lines from bottom to top.
  First throw = Line 1 (bottom line).
  Sixth throw = Line 6 (top line).
  2) Yarrow Stalk Method (more traditional, different probabilities).

• Modern Approach:

  • Use pseudo-random coins in software to generate 6 results.
  • Map the 6 lines to upper and lower trigrams and then to the King Wen (文王) sequence (1-64).

• Important: The King Wen order is not binary numeric order. Use a lookup table or dataset to map trigram pairs to hexagram numbers.

When Does a Hexagram Change (變卦)?

• If any line is "old" (6 or 9), it changes polarity in the transformed hexagram:
  • 9 (old Yang): 陽 Yang → 陰 Yin
  • 6 (old Yin): 陰 Yin → 陽 Yang
• Reading Workflow: 1) Cast the original hexagram (本卦): overall situation. 2) Identify changing lines: read the line texts for those positions. 3) Form the transformed hexagram (之卦): direction of change. 4) Synthesize: Original sets context; lines pinpoint shifts; transformed shows trajectory.

C# Example: A Console App You Can Run

Below is a compact, production-leaning example you can use. It:

• Casts a hexagram via coin method
• Detects changing lines and shows the transformed hexagram
• Loads bilingual data (Judgment, Image, Sample Use) for all 64 hexagrams from JSON
• Prints both Chinese and English guidance

Files

• Program.cs (main)
• YiJing.cs (logic)
• Data\hexagrams.json (content; use the 64-hexagram dataset I provided later)

Program.cs

using System;

namespace YiJingApp;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        Console.OutputEncoding = System.Text.Encoding.UTF8;
        var app = new YiJing();
        while (true)
        {
            Console.Clear();
            Console.WriteLine("========================================");
            Console.WriteLine("           易經 (I Ching) Explorer      ");
            Console.WriteLine("========================================");
            Console.WriteLine("1) Cast coins (擲筊占卜)");
            Console.WriteLine("2) Lookup hexagram by number (1-64)");
            Console.WriteLine("3) Exit");
            Console.Write("Choose: ");
            var choice = Console.ReadLine();

            switch (choice)
            {
                case "1": app.CastHexagram(); break;
                case "2": app.LookupHexagram(); break;
                case "3": return;
                default: Console.WriteLine("Invalid"); break;
            }
            Console.WriteLine("\nPress any key to continue...");
            Console.ReadKey();
        }
    }
}

YiJing.cs

using System.Text.Json;

namespace YiJingApp;

public class YiJing
{
    private readonly Random rng = new Random();
    private readonly Dictionary<int, HexagramInfoFull> data;
    private readonly int[,] kingWenLookup = {
        // Upper trigram: 乾0 兌1 離2 震3 巽4 坎5 艮6 坤7
        {1,  43, 14, 34, 9,  5,  26, 11},  // 乾0 Lower trigram
        {10, 58, 38, 54, 61, 60, 41, 19},  // 兌1 Lower trigram
        {13, 49, 30, 55, 37, 63, 22, 36},  // 離2 Lower trigram
        {25, 17, 21, 51, 42, 3,  27, 24},  // 震3 Lower trigram
        {44, 28, 50, 32, 57, 48, 18, 46},  // 巽4 Lower trigram
        {6,  47, 64, 40, 59, 29, 4,  7 },  // 坎5 Lower trigram
        {33, 31, 56, 62, 53, 39, 52, 15},  // 艮6 Lower trigram
        {12, 45, 35, 16, 20, 8,  23, 2 }   // 坤7 Lower trigram
    };

    public YiJing()
    {
        //change your path
        data = Load(@"C:\Users\User\source\repos\MyPlaygroundApp\MyPlaygroundApp\Data\hexagrams.json");
    }

    public void CastHexagram()
    {
        Console.Clear();
        Console.WriteLine("Focus on your question. Press Enter to cast...");
        Console.ReadLine();

        var lines = new List<Line>();
        var changingPositions = new List<int>();

        // Cast 6 lines from bottom (line 1) to top (line 6)
        for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++)
        {
            var sum = ThrowCoins(); // 6,7,8,9
            bool isYang = (sum == 7 || sum == 9);
            bool isChanging = (sum == 6 || sum == 9);

            lines.Add(new Line
            {
                LineNumber = i + 1,  // Line numbers 1-6 from bottom to top
                IsYang = isYang,
                IsChanging = isChanging
            });

            var symbol = GetLineSymbol(isYang, isChanging);
            Console.WriteLine($"Line {i + 1}: {symbol} ({sum})");

            if (isChanging) changingPositions.Add(i + 1);
        }

        // Compute original hexagram number
        var originalNumber = CalculateHexagramNumber(lines);
        var original = data[originalNumber];

        Console.WriteLine("\n===== Original Hexagram 本卦 =====");
        DisplayHexagram(original, lines);

        if (changingPositions.Count > 0)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"\nChanging lines 變爻: {string.Join(", ", changingPositions)}");

            // Create transformed lines by flipping only the changing lines
            var changedLines = new List<Line>();
            for (int i = 0; i < lines.Count; i++)
            {
                changedLines.Add(new Line
                {
                    LineNumber = lines[i].LineNumber,
                    IsYang = lines[i].IsChanging ? !lines[i].IsYang : lines[i].IsYang,
                    IsChanging = false
                });
            }

            var changedNumber = CalculateHexagramNumber(changedLines);
            var transformed = data[changedNumber];

            Console.WriteLine("\n===== Transformed Hexagram 之卦 =====");
            DisplayHexagram(transformed, changedLines);
        }
    }

    public void LookupHexagram()
    {
        Console.Clear();
        Console.Write("Enter hexagram number (1-64): ");
        if (int.TryParse(Console.ReadLine(), out int n) && n >= 1 && n <= 64)
        {
            var info = data[n];
            var lines = GenerateLinesFromNumber(n);
            DisplayHexagram(info, lines);
        }
        else
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Invalid.");
        }
    }

    private int ThrowCoins()
    {
        // 3 coins: heads=2, tails=3 (traditional labels: 正=2, 反=3)
        int sum = 0;
        for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++)
            sum += rng.Next(2) == 0 ? 2 : 3;
        return sum; // 6,7,8,9
    }

    private string GetLineSymbol(bool yang, bool changing)
    {
        if (yang && changing) return "━━━━━━ ○ (old Yang 9)";
        if (yang) return "━━━━━━   (young Yang 7)";
        if (!yang && changing) return "━━  ━━ × (old Yin 6)";
        return "━━  ━━   (young Yin 8)";
    }

    private int CalculateHexagramNumber(List<Line> lines)
    {
        // Map bottom 3 to lower trigram, top 3 to upper trigram
        // Use LineNumber to get the correct lines
        var line1 = lines.First(x => x.LineNumber == 1);
        var line2 = lines.First(x => x.LineNumber == 2);
        var line3 = lines.First(x => x.LineNumber == 3);
        var line4 = lines.First(x => x.LineNumber == 4);
        var line5 = lines.First(x => x.LineNumber == 5);
        var line6 = lines.First(x => x.LineNumber == 6);

        int lower = TrigramIndex(line1, line2, line3);
        int upper = TrigramIndex(line4, line5, line6);
        return kingWenLookup[lower, upper];
    }

    private int TrigramIndex(Line l1, Line l2, Line l3)
    {
        // Index scheme: 乾0 兌1 離2 震3 巽4 坎5 艮6 坤7
        // l1 = bottom line, l2 = middle line, l3 = top line of trigram
        int val = 0;
        if (l1.IsYang) val |= 1; // bottom line l1
        if (l2.IsYang) val |= 2; // middle line l2
        if (l3.IsYang) val |= 4; // top line l3

        // Map binary to index per conventional ordering:
        return val switch
        {
            7 => 0, // 乾☰ (111) 
            6 => 4, // 巽☴ (110) 
            5 => 2, // 離☲ (101) 
            4 => 6, // 艮☶ (100)  
            3 => 1, // 兌☱ (011)  
            2 => 5, // 坎☵ (010) 
            1 => 3, // 震☳ (001) 
            0 => 7, // 坤☷ (000) 
            _ => 7
        };
    }

    private List<Line> GenerateLinesFromNumber(int hexagramNumber)
    {
        // Find the hexagram in the lookup table and reconstruct lines
        for (int upper = 0; upper < 8; upper++)
        {
            for (int lower = 0; lower < 8; lower++)
            {
                if (kingWenLookup[upper, lower] == hexagramNumber)
                {
                    var lines = new List<Line>();

                    // Convert trigram indices back to yang/yin patterns
                    // Remember: bit 0 = bottom line, bit 1 = middle, bit 2 = top

                    // Lower trigram = lines 1, 2, 3
                    lines.Add(new Line { LineNumber = 1, IsYang = (lower & 1) != 0, IsChanging = false });
                    lines.Add(new Line { LineNumber = 2, IsYang = (lower & 2) != 0, IsChanging = false });
                    lines.Add(new Line { LineNumber = 3, IsYang = (lower & 4) != 0, IsChanging = false });

                    // Upper trigram = lines 4, 5, 6
                    lines.Add(new Line { LineNumber = 4, IsYang = (lower & 1) != 0, IsChanging = false });
                    lines.Add(new Line { LineNumber = 5, IsYang = (lower & 2) != 0, IsChanging = false });
                    lines.Add(new Line { LineNumber = 6, IsYang = (lower & 4) != 0, IsChanging = false });

                    return lines;
                }
            }
        }

        // Fallback
        return Enumerable.Range(1, 6)
            .Select(i => new Line { LineNumber = i, IsYang = true, IsChanging = false })
            .ToList();
    }

    private void DisplayHexagram(HexagramInfoFull info, List<Line> lines)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"No.{info.Number} {info.ChineseName} {info.Name}");
        Console.WriteLine($"Upper 上卦: {info.UpperTrigram}   Lower 下卦: {info.LowerTrigram}");
        Console.WriteLine();

        if (lines is { Count: 6 })
        {
            // Display from top to bottom using LineNumber
            for (int lineNum = 6; lineNum >= 1; lineNum--)
            {
                var line = lines.First(x => x.LineNumber == lineNum);
                var lineSymbol = line.IsYang ? "━━━━━━" : "━━  ━━";
                Console.WriteLine($"{lineSymbol}  (Line {line.LineNumber})");
            }
        }

        Console.WriteLine("\nJudgment 卦辭:");
        Console.WriteLine($"  {info.JudgmentCN}");
        Console.WriteLine($"  {info.JudgmentEN}");
        Console.WriteLine("\nImage 象曰:");
        Console.WriteLine($"  {info.ImageCN}");
        Console.WriteLine($"  {info.ImageEN}");
        Console.WriteLine("\nSample Use 應用示例:");
        Console.WriteLine($"  {info.SampleUse}");
    }

    private static Dictionary<int, HexagramInfoFull> Load(string path)
    {
        var json = File.ReadAllText(path);
        var list = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<List<HexagramInfoFull>>(json, new JsonSerializerOptions
        {
            PropertyNameCaseInsensitive = true
        })!;
        var dict = new Dictionary<int, HexagramInfoFull>();
        foreach (var h in list) dict[h.Number] = h;
        return dict;
    }
}

public class Line
{
    public int LineNumber { get; set; }
    public bool IsYang { get; set; }
    public bool IsChanging { get; set; }
}

public class HexagramInfoFull
{
    public int Number { get; set; }
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public string ChineseName { get; set; }
    public string UpperTrigram { get; set; }
    public string LowerTrigram { get; set; }
    public string JudgmentCN { get; set; }
    public string JudgmentEN { get; set; }
    public string ImageCN { get; set; }
    public string ImageEN { get; set; }
    public string SampleUse { get; set; }
}

Data: hexagrams.json

[
  {
    "Number": 1,
    "Name": "Qian",
    "ChineseName": "乾",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨利貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Primal, prosperous, beneficial, steadfast.",
    "ImageCN": "天行健，君子以自強不息。",
    "ImageEN": "Heaven moves with strength; the noble cultivates tireless self‑improvement.",
    "SampleUse": "Career: Initiate boldly. Set high standards and persist. Favor launches, leadership, training."
  },
  {
    "Number": 2,
    "Name": "Kun",
    "ChineseName": "坤",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨，利牝馬之貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Great success; the mare’s steadfastness is favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "地勢坤，君子以厚德載物。",
    "ImageEN": "Earth’s receptivity; the noble bears all with generous virtue.",
    "SampleUse": "Teamwork: Follow guidance, support others, be receptive. Don’t force your own way yet."
  },
  {
    "Number": 3,
    "Name": "Zhun",
    "ChineseName": "屯",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨利貞。勿用有攸往，利建侯。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Beginnings are difficult; success with perseverance. Don’t rush; establish helpers.",
    "ImageCN": "雲雷屯，君子以經綸。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder under clouds; the noble organizes and plans.",
    "SampleUse": "Startup: Early obstacles. Slow down, plan, recruit mentors. Structure before expansion."
  },
  {
    "Number": 4,
    "Name": "Meng",
    "ChineseName": "蒙",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。匪我求童蒙，童蒙求我。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Success in educating youth. The ignorant should seek instruction.",
    "ImageCN": "山下出泉，蒙；君子以果行育德。",
    "ImageEN": "A spring under the mountain; the noble acts decisively and nurtures virtue.",
    "SampleUse": "Learning: Get a teacher. Ask questions humbly. Avoid acting from confusion."
  },
  {
    "Number": 5,
    "Name": "Xu",
    "ChineseName": "需",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "有孚，光亨，貞吉，利涉大川。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Sincere waiting brings radiant success; crossing great rivers is favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "雲上於天，需；君子以飲食宴樂。",
    "ImageEN": "Clouds rise to heaven; the noble conserves strength with proper rest.",
    "SampleUse": "Job search: Wait with preparation. Don’t force timing; be ready to seize the opening."
  },
  {
    "Number": 6,
    "Name": "Song",
    "ChineseName": "訟",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "有孚，窒惕，中吉，終凶。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Conflict: sincere caution yields moderate good, but pursuing it to the end brings misfortune.",
    "ImageCN": "天與水違行，訟；君子以作事謀始。",
    "ImageEN": "Heaven and water oppose; the noble plans carefully at the start.",
    "SampleUse": "Dispute: Seek mediation, limit escalation, document facts. Avoid ego battles."
  },
  {
    "Number": 7,
    "Name": "Shi",
    "ChineseName": "師",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "貞，丈人吉，無咎。",
    "JudgmentEN": "The army: steadfastness; seasoned leadership brings good fortune without blame.",
    "ImageCN": "地中有水，師；君子以容民畜眾。",
    "ImageEN": "Water in the earth; the noble organizes and sustains the people.",
    "SampleUse": "Project: Build disciplined teams, clear roles, logistics. Follow an experienced lead."
  },
  {
    "Number": 8,
    "Name": "Bi",
    "ChineseName": "比",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "吉。原筮，元永貞，無咎。不寧方來，後夫凶。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Union: auspicious. First consult deeply; lasting steadiness. Latecomers fare poorly.",
    "ImageCN": "地上有水，比；先王以建萬國，親諸侯。",
    "ImageEN": "Water upon earth; the ancient kings formed alliances.",
    "SampleUse": "Partnership: Commit early with integrity. Late or half‑hearted joining risks loss."
  },
  {
    "Number": 9,
    "Name": "Xiao Chu",
    "ChineseName": "小畜",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。密雲不雨，自我西郊。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Small accumulation: success. Dense clouds, no rain yet.",
    "ImageCN": "風行天上，小畜；君子以懿文德。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind in heaven; the noble refines culture and virtue.",
    "SampleUse": "Savings: Gather small gains, polish reputation. Results come later—be patient."
  },
  {
    "Number": 10,
    "Name": "Lu",
    "ChineseName": "履",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "履虎尾，不咥人，亨。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Treading on the tiger’s tail; it does not bite—success.",
    "ImageCN": "上天下澤，履；君子以辨上下，定民志。",
    "ImageEN": "Heaven above the lake; the noble clarifies ranks and resolves intent.",
    "SampleUse": "Politics: Navigate protocol precisely. Courtesy and correct form avert danger."
  },
  {
    "Number": 11,
    "Name": "Tai",
    "ChineseName": "泰",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "小往大來，吉亨。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Peace: the small departs, the great arrives—good fortune.",
    "ImageCN": "天地交，泰；后以財成天地之道，輔相天地之宜。",
    "ImageEN": "Heaven and earth unite; rulers harmonize resources with the Way.",
    "SampleUse": "Market: Favorable cycle—expand, hire, invest in infrastructure."
  },
  {
    "Number": 12,
    "Name": "Pi",
    "ChineseName": "否",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "否之匪人，不利君子貞，大往小來。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Stagnation: petty men prevail; not favorable for the noble to push. Retreat; conserve.",
    "ImageCN": "天地不交，否；君子以儉德辟難，不可榮以祿。",
    "ImageEN": "Heaven and earth do not meet; the noble avoids difficulty with frugality.",
    "SampleUse": "Organization: Toxic climate—lay low, keep integrity, avoid major moves."
  },
  {
    "Number": 13,
    "Name": "Tong Ren",
    "ChineseName": "同人",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "同人於野，亨。利涉大川，利君子貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Fellowship in the open: success. Favorable to cross great rivers; steadfastness benefits.",
    "ImageCN": "天與火，同人；君子以類族辨物。",
    "ImageEN": "Heaven with fire; the noble discerns affinities and builds alliances.",
    "SampleUse": "Networking: Collaborate openly across groups. Shared mission brings breakthroughs."
  },
  {
    "Number": 14,
    "Name": "Da You",
    "ChineseName": "大有",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Great possession: primal prosperity.",
    "ImageCN": "火在天上，大有；君子以遏惡揚善，順天休命。",
    "ImageEN": "Fire above heaven; the noble curbs evil, promotes good, aligns with mandate.",
    "SampleUse": "Finance: Abundance—share generously, steward wisely, build legacy."
  },
  {
    "Number": 15,
    "Name": "Qian",
    "ChineseName": "謙",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。君子有終。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Modesty: success; the noble completes the course.",
    "ImageCN": "地中有山，謙；君子以裒多益寡，稱物平施。",
    "ImageEN": "A mountain within earth; the noble balances and redistributes fairly.",
    "SampleUse": "Leadership: Stay humble, credit others, level resources. Reputation grows."
  },
  {
    "Number": 16,
    "Name": "Yu",
    "ChineseName": "豫",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "利建侯行師。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Enthusiasm: favorable to appoint leaders and mobilize.",
    "ImageCN": "雷出地奮，豫；先王以作樂崇德，殷薦之上帝。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder stirs the earth; ancient kings used music to uplift virtue.",
    "SampleUse": "Event: Rally morale with vision and rituals. Channel energy into structure."
  },
  {
    "Number": 17,
    "Name": "Sui",
    "ChineseName": "隨",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨利貞。無咎。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Following: great success with steadfastness; no blame.",
    "ImageCN": "澤中有雷，隨；君子以嚮晦入宴息。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder within the lake; the noble adapts and rests at proper times.",
    "SampleUse": "Change: Follow what’s alive. Adjust plan to reality; don’t cling to ego."
  },
  {
    "Number": 18,
    "Name": "Gu",
    "ChineseName": "蠱",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Decay: great success in crossing. Prepare before and after—correct corruption.",
    "ImageCN": "山下有風，蠱；君子以振民育德。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind under the mountain; the noble arouses the people, nurtures virtue.",
    "SampleUse": "Family business: Fix legacy issues. Audit, reform, then relaunch."
  },
  {
    "Number": 19,
    "Name": "Lin",
    "ChineseName": "臨",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨利貞。至于八月有凶。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Approach: great success and steadiness, but decline comes later.",
    "ImageCN": "地上有澤，臨；君子以教思無窮，容保民無疆。",
    "ImageEN": "Lake upon earth; the noble teaches and protects without limit.",
    "SampleUse": "Management: Engage closely now, but plan for future downturn."
  },
  {
    "Number": 20,
    "Name": "Guan",
    "ChineseName": "觀",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "盥而不薦，有孚顒若。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Contemplation: purified, not yet offering; sincerity shines.",
    "ImageCN": "風行地上，觀；先王以省方觀民設教。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind over earth; rulers inspect, observe, and set teachings.",
    "SampleUse": "Strategy: Pause to observe systems. Adjust policy from clear seeing."
  },
  {
    "Number": 21,
    "Name": "Shi He",
    "ChineseName": "噬嗑",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。利用獄。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Biting through: success. Good for legal and decisive action.",
    "ImageCN": "雷電噬嗑；先王以明罰勑法。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder and lightning; rulers clarify penalties and laws.",
    "SampleUse": "Compliance: Remove obstruction; enforce rules fairly and clearly."
  },
  {
    "Number": 22,
    "Name": "Bi",
    "ChineseName": "賁",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。小利有攸往。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Grace: success. Favorable for small advances.",
    "ImageCN": "山下有火，賁；君子以明庶政，無敢折獄。",
    "ImageEN": "Fire at the mountain’s foot; the noble illuminates affairs without harsh judgment.",
    "SampleUse": "Design: Beautify and clarify. Improve presentation; don’t over‑decorate."
  },
  {
    "Number": 23,
    "Name": "Bo",
    "ChineseName": "剝",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "不利有攸往。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Stripping away: not favorable to advance.",
    "ImageCN": "山附於地，剝；上以厚下安宅。",
    "ImageEN": "A mountain on the earth is peeled away; leaders secure the base.",
    "SampleUse": "Budget cuts: Let go of the superfluous. Protect essentials and people."
  },
  {
    "Number": 24,
    "Name": "Fu",
    "ChineseName": "復",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。出入無疾，朋來無咎。反復其道，七日來復。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Return: success; going in and out without harm; friends return.",
    "ImageCN": "雷在地中，復；先王以至日閉關，商旅不行。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder within the earth; rulers pause at solstice to reset.",
    "SampleUse": "Health: Relapse then recovery. Return to right habits; restart gently."
  },
  {
    "Number": 25,
    "Name": "Wu Wang",
    "ChineseName": "無妄",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨利貞。其匪正有眚，不利有攸往。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Innocence: great success; if not correct, misfortune. Don’t force outcomes.",
    "ImageCN": "天下雷行，物與無妄；先王以茂對時育萬物。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder under heaven; align with seasons and naturalness.",
    "SampleUse": "Product: Keep it simple and honest. Avoid hype or manipulation."
  },
  {
    "Number": 26,
    "Name": "Da Xu",
    "ChineseName": "大畜",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "利貞。不家食，吉。利涉大川。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Great restraint/accumulation: steadfastness benefits; venture out brings fortune.",
    "ImageCN": "天在山中，大畜；君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。",
    "ImageEN": "Heaven within the mountain; the noble stores virtue and knowledge.",
    "SampleUse": "R&D: Pause to build capability. Train, stock resources, then tackle big goals."
  },
  {
    "Number": 27,
    "Name": "Yi",
    "ChineseName": "頤",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "貞吉。觀頤，自求口實。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Nourishment: steadfastness brings good. Examine how you feed and are fed.",
    "ImageCN": "山下有雷，頤；君子以慎言語，節飲食。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder under the mountain; guard speech and diet.",
    "SampleUse": "Wellbeing: Adjust inputs—food, media, advice. Curate what sustains you."
  },
  {
    "Number": 28,
    "Name": "Da Guo",
    "ChineseName": "大過",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "棟橈，利有攸往，亨。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Great exceeding: beam bends. Risk is high yet progress possible.",
    "ImageCN": "澤滅木，大過；君子以獨立不懼，遁世無悶。",
    "ImageEN": "Lake overwhelms wood; stand independently without fear.",
    "SampleUse": "Crisis: Heavy load. Act decisively, simplify, shore up supports."
  },
  {
    "Number": 29,
    "Name": "Kan",
    "ChineseName": "坎",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "習坎，有孚，維心亨，行有尚。",
    "JudgmentEN": "The abyss repeated: sincerity and inner clarity bring success and honor.",
    "ImageCN": "水洊至，習坎；君子以常德行，習教事。",
    "ImageEN": "Water flows on; practice constancy and discipline.",
    "SampleUse": "Stress: Stay sincere, keep routines, manage risks step by step."
  },
  {
    "Number": 30,
    "Name": "Li",
    "ChineseName": "離",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "利貞，亨。畜牝牛吉。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Clarity/adhere: favorable steadfastness and success; nurturing like a cow brings fortune.",
    "ImageCN": "明兩作，離；大人以繼明照于四方。",
    "ImageEN": "Two lights arise; the great continue clarity to illuminate all.",
    "SampleUse": "Marketing: Make it bright and coherent. Sustain visibility with gentle care."
  },
  {
    "Number": 31,
    "Name": "Xian",
    "ChineseName": "咸",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨，利貞。取女吉。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Influence/feeling: success; steadfastness benefits; union is favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "山上有澤，咸；君子以虛受人。",
    "ImageEN": "A lake on the mountain; the noble is receptive and open.",
    "SampleUse": "Sales: Lead with sincerity and listening. Attraction beats pressure."
  },
  {
    "Number": 32,
    "Name": "Heng",
    "ChineseName": "恆",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。無咎，利貞，利有攸往。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Duration: success; no blame. Favorable to persist and proceed.",
    "ImageCN": "雷風，恆；君子以立不易方。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder and wind; the noble holds to principles.",
    "SampleUse": "Habits: Commit long‑term. Consistency compounds gains."
  },
  {
    "Number": 33,
    "Name": "Dun",
    "ChineseName": "遯",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。小利貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Retreat: success; small steadfastness is beneficial.",
    "ImageCN": "天下有山，遯；君子以遠小人，不惡而嚴。",
    "ImageEN": "A mountain under heaven; the noble withdraws from the petty with dignity.",
    "SampleUse": "Office politics: Step back quietly; protect work and values."
  },
  {
    "Number": 34,
    "Name": "Da Zhuang",
    "ChineseName": "大壯",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "利貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Great power: favorable steadfastness.",
    "ImageCN": "雷在天上，大壯；君子以非禮勿履。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder above heaven; the noble avoids overstepping.",
    "SampleUse": "Momentum: You’re strong—act ethically, avoid bullying or haste."
  },
  {
    "Number": 35,
    "Name": "Jin",
    "ChineseName": "晉",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "康侯用錫馬蕃庶，晝日三接。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Progress: the noble is honored repeatedly.",
    "ImageCN": "明出地上，晉；君子以自昭明德。",
    "ImageEN": "Brightness on the earth; the noble makes virtue visible.",
    "SampleUse": "Promotion: Visibility rises—show results, accept recognition graciously."
  },
  {
    "Number": 36,
    "Name": "Ming Yi",
    "ChineseName": "明夷",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "利艱貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Darkening of the light: hardship; steadfastness benefits.",
    "ImageCN": "明入地中，明夷；君子以莅眾，用晦而明。",
    "ImageEN": "Light enters the earth; govern with hidden clarity.",
    "SampleUse": "Hostile org: Keep your light discreet. Protect yourself; do quiet good."
  },
  {
    "Number": 37,
    "Name": "Jia Ren",
    "ChineseName": "家人",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "利女貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "The family: favorable for the woman’s steadiness (domestic order).",
    "ImageCN": "風自火出，家人；君子以言有物而行有恆。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind from fire; words have substance, actions have constancy.",
    "SampleUse": "Household/team: Set roles, kind speech, steady routines."
  },
  {
    "Number": 38,
    "Name": "Kui",
    "ChineseName": "睽",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "小事吉。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Opposition: small matters are fortunate.",
    "ImageCN": "上火下澤，睽；君子以同而異。",
    "ImageEN": "Fire above, lake below; unity with space for differences.",
    "SampleUse": "Conflict of views: Align on goals; allow diverse methods."
  },
  {
    "Number": 39,
    "Name": "Jian",
    "ChineseName": "蹇",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "利西南，不利東北。利見大人，貞吉。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Obstruction: go where support is; meet the great person; steadfastness brings good.",
    "ImageCN": "水在山下，蹇；君子以反身修德。",
    "ImageEN": "Water at the mountain’s foot; return to self‑cultivation.",
    "SampleUse": "Roadblock: Seek allies; work on inner skills; change route."
  },
  {
    "Number": 40,
    "Name": "Jie",
    "ChineseName": "解",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "利西南。無所往，其來復吉。有攸往，夙吉。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Release: moving toward support is good; early action favored.",
    "ImageCN": "雷雨作，解；君子以赦過宥罪。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunderstorm brings relief; the noble pardons appropriately.",
    "SampleUse": "After crisis: Clear tensions, forgive, reset operations."
  },
  {
    "Number": 41,
    "Name": "Sun",
    "ChineseName": "損",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "有孚元吉，無咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Decrease: sincere offering brings great good. Simplicity suffices.",
    "ImageCN": "山下有澤，損；君子以懲忿窒欲。",
    "ImageEN": "Lake under the mountain; restrain anger and desire.",
    "SampleUse": "Budget: Cut excess, keep core. Simple gifts win trust."
  },
  {
    "Number": 42,
    "Name": "Yi",
    "ChineseName": "益",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "利有攸往，利涉大川。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Increase: favorable to advance and cross great rivers.",
    "ImageCN": "風雷，益；君子以見善則遷，有過則改。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind and thunder; adopt the good, correct faults.",
    "SampleUse": "Growth: Reinvest gains, improve processes, share benefits."
  },
  {
    "Number": 43,
    "Name": "Guai",
    "ChineseName": "夬",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "乾☰",
    "JudgmentCN": "揚于王庭。孚號，有厲。告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Breakthrough: declare publicly; danger. Not fit for war—act decisively yet measured.",
    "ImageCN": "澤上於天，夬；君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。",
    "ImageEN": "Lake up to heaven; distribute rewards, beware arrogance.",
    "SampleUse": "Policy change: Announce clearly, cut rot, avoid vendettas."
  },
  {
    "Number": 44,
    "Name": "Gou",
    "ChineseName": "姤",
    "UpperTrigram": "乾☰",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "女壯，勿用取女。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Coming to meet: powerful encounter; don’t take the union lightly.",
    "ImageCN": "天下有風，姤；后以施命誥四方。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind under heaven; proclaim mandates everywhere.",
    "SampleUse": "Sudden offer: Attractive but risky. Set boundaries, vet thoroughly."
  },
  {
    "Number": 45,
    "Name": "Cui",
    "ChineseName": "萃",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "坤☷",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。王假有廟。利見大人，亨，利貞。用大牲吉，利有攸往。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Gathering: success; honor the source; meet the great; proceed with devotion.",
    "ImageCN": "澤上於地，萃；君子以除戎器，戒不虞。",
    "ImageEN": "Lake upon earth; prepare for the unexpected.",
    "SampleUse": "Conference: Convene people, honor elders, set safety plans."
  },
  {
    "Number": 46,
    "Name": "Sheng",
    "ChineseName": "升",
    "UpperTrigram": "坤☷",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "元亨。用見大人，勿恤。南征吉。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Ascending: great success; meet the great person; go forward without anxiety.",
    "ImageCN": "地中生木，升；君子以順德，積小以高大。",
    "ImageEN": "Wood grows in the earth; rise by steady accumulation.",
    "SampleUse": "Career: Climb step by step; seek mentorship; keep composure."
  },
  {
    "Number": 47,
    "Name": "Kun",
    "ChineseName": "困",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。貞大人吉，無咎。有言不信。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Oppression: success through the noble’s steadfastness; words not believed.",
    "ImageCN": "澤無水，困；君子以致命遂志。",
    "ImageEN": "A lake without water; exhaust self for the mission.",
    "SampleUse": "Cash crunch: Stay principled; cut nonessentials; communicate calmly."
  },
  {
    "Number": 48,
    "Name": "Jing",
    "ChineseName": "井",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "改邑不改井，無喪無得。往來井井。汔至亦未繘井，羸其瓶，凶。",
    "JudgmentEN": "The well: towns change but the well endures. Don’t spill the bucket at the end.",
    "ImageCN": "木上有水，井；君子以勞民勸相。",
    "ImageEN": "Water above wood; maintain public resources.",
    "SampleUse": "Infrastructure: Maintain core systems. Finish tasks properly."
  },
  {
    "Number": 49,
    "Name": "Ge",
    "ChineseName": "革",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "己日乃孚。元亨利貞。悔亡。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Revolution: when the day comes, sincerity; great success; regrets vanish.",
    "ImageCN": "澤中有火，革；君子以治曆明時。",
    "ImageEN": "Fire in the lake; clarify times and timing.",
    "SampleUse": "Product pivot: Prepare, then change decisively at the right moment."
  },
  {
    "Number": 50,
    "Name": "Ding",
    "ChineseName": "鼎",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "元吉，亨。",
    "JudgmentEN": "The cauldron: great good fortune; success.",
    "ImageCN": "木上有火，鼎；君子以正位凝命。",
    "ImageEN": "Fire over wood; set rightful positions and refine essence.",
    "SampleUse": "Culture: Establish roles, rituals, and shared values. Create excellence."
  },
  {
    "Number": 51,
    "Name": "Zhen",
    "ChineseName": "震",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "震☳",
    "JudgmentCN": "震來虩虩，笑言啞啞。震驚百里，不喪匕鬯。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Shock: fear, then laughter; disturbance but essentials preserved.",
    "ImageCN": "洊雷，震；君子以恐懼修省。",
    "ImageEN": "Repeated thunder; cultivate alertness and self‑examination.",
    "SampleUse": "Unexpected news: Stay steady, protect core assets, debrief after."
  },
  {
    "Number": 52,
    "Name": "Gen",
    "ChineseName": "艮",
    "UpperTrigram": "艮☶",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "艮其背，不獲其身；行其庭，不見其人，無咎。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Keeping still: still the back; detach from self; no blame.",
    "ImageCN": "兼山，艮；君子以思不出其位。",
    "ImageEN": "Mountains together; stay within your proper place.",
    "SampleUse": "Mindfulness: Stop, breathe, avoid reactive moves."
  },
  {
    "Number": 53,
    "Name": "Jian",
    "ChineseName": "漸",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "女歸吉，利貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Gradual progress: marriage auspicious; steadfastness favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "山上有木，漸；君子以居賢德善俗。",
    "ImageEN": "Wood on the mountain; settle virtue and refine customs.",
    "SampleUse": "Long game: Patient rollout, build trust stepwise."
  },
  {
    "Number": 54,
    "Name": "Gui Mei",
    "ChineseName": "歸妹",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "征凶，無攸利。",
    "JudgmentEN": "The marrying maiden: going forth brings misfortune; not favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "澤上有雷，歸妹；君子以終焉。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder over the lake; consider proper endings.",
    "SampleUse": "Impulsive deal: Looks sweet but misaligned. Don’t rush commitment."
  },
  {
    "Number": 55,
    "Name": "Feng",
    "ChineseName": "豐",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。王假之，勿憂，宜日中。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Abundance: success; audience with the king; act at high noon.",
    "ImageCN": "雷電皆至，豐；君子以折獄致刑。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder and lightning together; clarify and conclude cases.",
    "SampleUse": "Peak exposure: Use the spotlight to make clear decisions."
  },
  {
    "Number": 56,
    "Name": "Lü",
    "ChineseName": "旅",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "小亨。旅貞吉。",
    "JudgmentEN": "The traveler: small success; steadfastness favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "山上有火，旅；君子以明慎用刑而不留獄。",
    "ImageEN": "Fire on the mountain; be clear and cautious; don’t prolong cases.",
    "SampleUse": "Consulting/travel: Keep light, courteous, and self‑contained."
  },
  {
    "Number": 57,
    "Name": "Xun",
    "ChineseName": "巽",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "巽☴",
    "JudgmentCN": "小亨。利有攸往，利見大人。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Gentle penetration: small success; proceeding and meeting the great is favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "重巽以申命，巽；君子以講習辭命，述而不作。",
    "ImageEN": "Repeated wind; reiterate mandates; teach and transmit.",
    "SampleUse": "Influence: Persuade softly, repeat clearly, build consensus."
  },
  {
    "Number": 58,
    "Name": "Dui",
    "ChineseName": "兌",
    "UpperTrigram": "兌☱",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨，利貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Joy: success; steadfastness benefits.",
    "ImageCN": "麗澤，兌；君子以朋友講習。",
    "ImageEN": "Two lakes connect; learn together with friends.",
    "SampleUse": "Community: Create safe, joyful dialogue; morale fuels results."
  },
  {
    "Number": 59,
    "Name": "Huan",
    "ChineseName": "渙",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。王假有廟。利涉大川，利貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Dispersion: success; return to the source; cross great rivers; steadfastness.",
    "ImageCN": "風行水上，渙；先王以享于帝立廟。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind over water; re‑center the collective spirit.",
    "SampleUse": "Team rifts: Dissolve cliques, reaffirm mission, reunite."
  },
  {
    "Number": 60,
    "Name": "Jie",
    "ChineseName": "節",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "苦節不可貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Limitation: discipline is good; harsh austerity is not.",
    "ImageCN": "澤上有水，節；君子以制數度，議德行。",
    "ImageEN": "Water above the lake; set measures and norms.",
    "SampleUse": "Scope control: Clear limits, humane pace. Avoid burnout."
  },
  {
    "Number": 61,
    "Name": "Zhong Fu",
    "ChineseName": "中孚",
    "UpperTrigram": "巽☴",
    "LowerTrigram": "兌☱",
    "JudgmentCN": "豚魚吉，利涉大川，利貞。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Inner truth: even simple offerings bring luck; crossing is favorable.",
    "ImageCN": "澤上有風，中孚；君子以議獄緩死。",
    "ImageEN": "Wind over the lake; judge with humane sincerity.",
    "SampleUse": "Negotiation: Build true trust; small sincere gestures go far."
  },
  {
    "Number": 62,
    "Name": "Xiao Guo",
    "ChineseName": "小過",
    "UpperTrigram": "震☳",
    "LowerTrigram": "艮☶",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。可小事，不可大事。飛鳥遺之音，不宜上，宜下。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Small exceeding: success in small matters; not big ones. Keep low.",
    "ImageCN": "雷在山上，小過；君子以行過乎恭，喪過乎哀，用過乎儉。",
    "ImageEN": "Thunder on the mountain; exceed in humility, grief, and frugality.",
    "SampleUse": "Release: Fine‑tune details. Avoid major overreach."
  },
  {
    "Number": 63,
    "Name": "Ji Ji",
    "ChineseName": "既濟",
    "UpperTrigram": "坎☵",
    "LowerTrigram": "離☲",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。小利貞，初吉終亂。",
    "JudgmentEN": "After completion: success; small steadiness benefits; good beginning, risk of disorder at end.",
    "ImageCN": "水在火上，既濟；君子以思患而豫防之。",
    "ImageEN": "Water above fire; anticipate trouble and prevent it.",
    "SampleUse": "Post‑launch: Celebrate lightly, then harden processes to avoid slip‑ups."
  },
  {
    "Number": 64,
    "Name": "Wei Ji",
    "ChineseName": "未濟",
    "UpperTrigram": "離☲",
    "LowerTrigram": "坎☵",
    "JudgmentCN": "亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，無攸利。",
    "JudgmentEN": "Before completion: success possible; the little fox wets its tail—don’t rush the crossing.",
    "ImageCN": "火在水上，未濟；君子以慎辨物居方。",
    "ImageEN": "Fire above water; be careful in placing things.",
    "SampleUse": "In progress: Not done yet—focus on final details, test thoroughly."
  }
]

• Use the complete 64-hexagram bilingual dataset with sample uses I provided previously. Place it at Data/hexagrams.json.

Result

How to Use This in Practice

• Reflective Tool: Cast when you need perspective-strategy shifts, conflicts, timing questions.
• Good Questions:
  • "What stance best serves this project now?"
  • "What happens if we proceed as planned?"
  • "Where should I focus this week?"
• Reading Flow: 1) Read the Judgment to get the theme. 2) Read the Image for how to act or lead. 3) If changing lines appear, read those line meanings (you can extend the dataset to include 爻辭). 4) Look at the transformed hexagram to see the direction of change. 5) Translate into one concrete action.

Pro Tips and Common Misunderstandings

• Not Fortune-Telling: It's a mirror for decision-making, not a prophecy machine.
• Don't Over-Ask: One sincere question beats repeated casting.
• Context Matters: The same hexagram reads differently for "launch a product" vs "resolve a family issue."
• Add Line Texts: The I Ching comes alive when you add 爻辭 (line texts) with concise English. Store them per hexagram and index 1–6 bottom to top.

Extending the App

• Add a 64×6 bit pattern (e.g. 乾: 111111, 坤: 000000...) to reconstruct lines for lookup mode.
• Store 爻辭 with bilingual texts and short examples; display them only when those lines change.
• Build an attractive UI with coin animations and export to PDF.
• Log readings with timestamps and notes for reflection.

Conclusion

You've learned the essentials of the I Ching - what it is, how lines and hexagrams work, how change is represented, and how to read a casting in a modern, practical way. With a simple C# console app and a bilingual dataset, you can start exploring one of the world's oldest pattern languages.

The I Ching endures because it teaches timing, humility, and alignment with nature. Whether you're leading a team, building products, or navigating life changes, its images help you see more clearly and act with better judgment.

Love C#!

Comments

[Νίκος Σταυρόπουλος]

Very Nice...!