Hexagram 19 Lín (臨): Approach, Meaning and Six Lines
The nineteenth hexagram of the I Ching: the Earth above the Lake, approach and growing influence. Judgement, six lines, moving lines and a careful reading of Approach.
Key points
| Number | 19 of 64 (King Wen sequence) |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 臨 (Lín) |
| Approximate pronunciation | leen |
| French name (tradition followed here) | Lin, l'Approche (Approach) |
| Lower trigram (inner) | Dui, Lake |
| Upper trigram (outer) | Kun, Earth |
| Lines, bottom to top | yang / yang / yin / yin / yin / yin |
| Twin hexagram | No. 20, Guan, Contemplation |
Hexagram 19: Lín (臨), name and composition
Hexagram 19 is called “Approach”. The character means to come near, to lean over something from above, to oversee. It evokes an official visiting his people, a season drawing close, an influence spreading outward.
Hexagram 19 is written 臨 (in simplified characters: 临) and transcribed Lín in pinyin; it is pronounced roughly “leen”. It is made of two trigrams stacked on top of each other: below, inside, Dui (Lake); above, outside, Kun (Earth). The overall image is therefore the Earth above the Lake.
The six lines, from bottom to top, are: yang (solid), yang (solid), yin (broken), yin (broken), yin (broken), yin (broken). In the King Wen sequence it forms a pair with hexagram 20 (Guan, Contemplation), which is the same figure turned upside down.
The judgement in brief
The judgement promises great success and favourable perseverance, but adds a warning: in the eighth month, misfortune. The phrase is enigmatic and commentators disagree: some see the announcement of a reversal, the growth of the yang lines being in turn reversed; others a simple reminder that every expansion has a limit.
General meaning
The Earth lies above the Lake: the shore rises above the water and draws close to it. Two yang lines rise beneath four yin lines: strength grows gradually. It is the image of an influence spreading, of a leader coming into contact with their people, of a season of growth. In the symbolic calendar of the Han period, the hexagram is linked to the last month of the Chinese year, just before spring.
Approach works in both directions: drawing near to others with kindness (lines 1 and 2), with wisdom (5) or with generosity (6). It also warns against flattering approach (3), which brings nothing.
The six lines, one by one
The lines are counted from bottom to top. Below, in our own words, is the image the ancient text attaches to each one; the last column gives the hexagram obtained if that line alone is moving.
| Line | Nature | Summarised image | If it is moving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | yang (solid) | An approach held in common: we advance together, and constancy is good. | No. 7 (Shi) |
| 2 | yang (solid) | Still an approach held in common: good fortune, everything is favourable. | No. 24 (Fu) |
| 3 | yin (broken) | A sweet, flattering approach: nothing favourable; once one is mindful of it, no blame. | No. 11 (Tai) |
| 4 | yin (broken) | A sincere approach that comes very close: no blame. | No. 54 (Gui Mei) |
| 5 | yin (broken) | A wise approach, that of a great sovereign who knows how to delegate: good fortune. | No. 60 (Jie) |
| 6 | yin (broken) | A generous approach that gives itself: good fortune, no blame. | No. 41 (Sun) |
Moving lines
A moving line is a line that the casting marks as unstable: you read its own text, then it changes into its opposite, which gives a second hexagram, read as the direction the situation is taking. A moving yang line is called “nine”, a moving yin line “six”. Without a moving line, you keep to the general judgement.
For Lin, a moving line places the quality of your approach: advancing together, persisting in momentum, avoiding flattery, coming very close, delegating with wisdom, giving generously.
A modern reading, with care
Today, Lin is often read in relation to a deepening relationship, a team that is growing or an influence on the rise. A careful reading keeps in mind the care needed in how one approaches: sincerity rather than flattery, presence rather than control. It also holds the warning of the judgement in mind: every growth has a limit.
Questions for reflection
- How do I approach the people or situations that matter to me?
- Is my kindness sincere, or a little flattering?
- What limits should I set on a growth already under way?
- Who do I need to let be, like the sovereign of the fifth line?
Mistakes to avoid
- Flattering to gain something.
- Neglecting the limit announced by the judgement.
- Confusing approach with control.
- Looking for a date of misfortune in “the eighth month”: commentators read it as an image.
Names, translations and a reminder
The French name “Lin, l'Approche” follows one translation tradition among others. Other translations speak of Approach, Visit, Oversight or Welcome; the character 臨 also evokes looking down upon something. Compare two translations if you can.
A reminder: the I Ching is a book of wisdom and divination, consulted as a tool for reflection, never as a prediction; it does not replace medical, legal, financial or safety advice. This page summarises the text in our own words.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 19 of the I Ching mean?
It is the hexagram of approach: a growing influence, a leader coming into contact with their people, a way of going towards others.
What does “the eighth month” mean?
The phrase is enigmatic. Commentators see in it either a reversal of the cycle or a reminder that growth has a limit. It does not designate a date of misfortune.
What is the link with hexagram 20?
Number 20, Contemplation, is 19 turned upside down: approach (acting towards the other) becomes observation (looking and being looked at).
What are the trigrams of hexagram 19?
Dui (Lake) below, inside, and Kun (Earth) above, outside.
What is the twin hexagram of number 19?
Number 20, Guan, Contemplation. In the King Wen sequence, hexagrams come in pairs, the second being the same figure turned upside down.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to The 64 hexagrams of the Yi King.