Hexagram 49 Line 5: 九五

Classical Chinese Text

九五 大人虎變。未占有孚。

大人虎變。未占有孚

Wilhelm Translation

The great man changes like a tiger. Even before he questions the oracle He is believed.

Commentary

The great person changes like a tiger. Even before questioning the oracle, believed. A tiger's skin, with its highly visible black stripes on a yellow ground, shows its distinct pattern from afar—you can see what it is at a distance. It is the same with revolution brought about by a great person: large, clear guiding lines become visible, understandable to everyone. Therefore you don't need to first consult the oracle, for you win the spontaneous support of the people. The change is self-evident; the pattern speaks for itself.