Yi: The Jaws. Perseverance brings good fortune. Pay heed to the providing of nourishment and to what a man seeks to fill his own mouth with. Thunder under the mountain: the image of Nourishment. Thus the superior man is careful of his words and temperate in eating and drinking.

Do you feel a sense of emptiness lately? No matter how much you eat or buy, the void inside remains. “Yi” represents the jaws, focusing on nourishment and the spoken word. Thunder under the mountain symbolizes survival instincts and desires latent beneath a calm exterior.

Psychologically, this is an invitation to examine your “needs.” We often care for others while neglecting our own soul’s hunger. What are you feeding yourself? Is it healthy self-love or toxic anxiety? When you desperately seek external validation, you lose your internal autonomy. The hexagram advises paying attention to what truly nourishes you.

Practice being honest about your hunger—physical or emotional. Real nourishment comes from self-respect. Be mindful of what enters your life and what you express. When you learn to quietly attend to your own needs without blindly reaching outward, your inner energy becomes full and calm. True fulfillment comes from a deep understanding of your own soul.

Laozi said: “The sage provides for the belly and not for the eye.” This hexagram teaches the wisdom of “enough.” Modern life overstimulates the senses, making us want more than we actually need. Taoism teaches that the highest nourishment is simplicity. When you practice restraint, excess desires no longer burden you. Living with simple discipline is the most sustainable path to health and peace.