XLV. (The trigram representing the) earth and that for the waters of a marsh raised above it form Shui. The superior man, in accordance with this, has his weapons of war put in good repair, to be prepared against unforeseen contingencies.

1 'In consequence disorder is brought into the sphere of his union:' his mind and aim are thrown into confusion.

2 'He is led forward; there will be good fortune, and freedom from error:' (the virtue proper to) his central place has not undergone any change.

3 'If he go forward, he will not err:' in the subject of the topmost line there is humility and condescension.

4 'If he be grandly fortunate, he will receive no blame:' (this condition is necessary, because) his position is not the one proper to him.

5 'There is the union (of all) under him in the place of dignity:' (but) his mind and aim have not yet been brilliantly displayed.

6 'He sighs and weeps:' he does not yet rest in his topmost position.