#19
Approach (臨)
Lín
Approach with care and oversight.
Source: Our commentary · editorial-en-v1
Lower trigram: Lake (兑 Duì) — joyous openness
Upper trigram: Earth (坤 Kūn) — receptive support
Judgment — our commentary
Approach brings responsibility. Come close with care, oversee fairly, and prepare for a later ebb.
The six lines
Line 1
Joint approach works when both sides share a clear, upright aim.
Reflection: Who should approach this with you?
Line 2
Approach with warmth and steadiness; joint progress remains favorable.
Reflection: How can you stay warm without losing firmness?
Line 3
Sweet talk alone is not enough. Pair encouragement with real responsibility.
Reflection: Where are words ahead of actions?
Line 4
Complete approach without bias. Meet the situation fully and fairly.
Reflection: What corner of the issue have you avoided?
Line 5
A wise approach uses knowledge kindly—guide, do not dominate.
Reflection: How will you guide without controlling?
Line 6
Honest, generous oversight at the end consolidates what was begun.
Reflection: What needs a generous closing touch?