臨
Lín · Approach
Being above is a temporary position; use it to teach, not to enjoy.
The judgment
臨：元，亨，利，貞。 至於八月有凶。
Approach brings success. But by the eighth month there will be misfortune: what rises now will not stay at this height.
Received text; plain English after the Chinese. Source: 周易經傳 (public-domain). Passage: hex19.judgment.
The image
象曰：澤上有地，臨。君子以教思無窮，容保民無疆。
The earth above the lake: approach. A capable person teaches without running out and protects people without limit.
Received text; plain English after the Chinese. Source: 周易經傳 (public-domain). Passage: hex19.image.
Being above is a temporary position; use it to teach, not to enjoy.
The six lines
Each line is a stage, from the bottom of the hexagram to the top. Open any line to read it in plain English.
初九 咸臨，貞吉。 Approach by feeling, not by force. Stay true and it is lucky.
Approach by feeling, not by force. Stay true and it is lucky.
九二 咸臨，吉無不利。 Approach by feeling, and nothing is unfavorable. People move because they feel seen.
Approach by feeling, and nothing is unfavorable. People move because they feel seen.
六三 甘臨，無攸利。 既憂之，無咎。 Sweet talk as a way to lead: nothing good comes of it. Once you worry about it, there is no blame.
Sweet talk as a way to lead: nothing good comes of it. Once you worry about it, there is no blame.
六四 至臨，無咎。 You arrive fully, present and direct. No blame: this is simply being there.
You arrive fully, present and direct. No blame: this is simply being there.
六五 知臨，大君之宜，吉。 Approach with understanding: this is what a great ruler should do. Good fortune.
Approach with understanding: this is what a great ruler should do. Good fortune.
上六 敦臨，吉無咎。 Approach with generosity. Good fortune, no blame: the last line is still kind.
Approach with generosity. Good fortune, no blame: the last line is still kind.