What this hexagram is about
Earth above the lake, looking down from on high — the image of overseeing and guiding, as the light force gradually grows. It speaks of approaching others in sincerity and treating those below with generosity; yet knowing that fullness turns toward decline, one must never slacken in the task.
The Judgment 卦辞
临，元亨利贞。至于八月有凶。
Supreme success; favorable to persevere. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：泽上有地，临；君子以教思无穷，容保民无疆。
Earth above the lake, drawing near; so the noble person teaches with endless care and shelters the people without bound.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
咸临贞吉，志行正也。
Approaching with influence, perseverance brings good fortune — the will moves toward the right.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Six at the top敦临，吉无咎。
To approach affairs and people with a heart honest and sincere — good fortune, and no fault.
Six in the fifth place知临，大君之宜，吉。
To approach those below with wisdom, knowing people and using them well — this befits a great sovereign; good fortune.
Six in the fourth place至临，无咎。
To approach the task in person with all one's heart and effort — there is no fault.
Nine in the third place甘临，无攸利。既忧之，无咎。
To approach matters by sweet words and flattery profits nothing; yet if it leads one to anxious self-reflection and amendment, there is no fault.
Nine in the second place咸临，吉无不利。
To approach by the way of mutual response — good fortune, and nothing that is not favorable.
Initial Six咸临，贞吉。
To approach and oversee by the way of mutual response, holding to what is right — good fortune.