The Gentle Wind
The Penetrating Influence
The I Ching hexagram of the Gentle Wind, teaching that gentle, persistent influence penetrates more deeply than brute force.
Hexagram 57 doubles the trigram Xun, wind above wind, and it carries the element in its name because both halves are the same figure. Xun is wind and also wood, and its attribute is penetration: a single yielding line lies beneath two firm ones, entering from below rather than forcing from above. The Judgement grants success through what is small, and finds it furthering to have somewhere to go and to see the great man. In the Image, the superior man, seeing winds follow one upon another, spreads his commands abroad and carries out his undertakings, since influence tells only when it is gradual and unremitting.
Light
Signifies gradual influence, adaptability, and penetrating insight. It stands for the patient, repeated effort that achieves what force cannot, and for commands made clear before they are acted upon.
Shadow
Can indicate indecision, excessive pliancy, and influence that dissipates for want of direction. It may also mark submission that has become servility, or persuasion turned into insinuation.
