Nine at the Top is at the end of the hexagram, dwelling in a position without rank; this is the peak of Possession in Great Measure where one does not dwell in one's possessions. Situated at the summit of Li, it represents the ultimate of brightness.
Only through supreme brightness does one refrain from clinging to possessions and avoid exceeding proper limits. Having reached the peak without dwelling in it, there is no calamity of fullness and pride, which complies with right principle.
Six in the Fifth Place possesses sincere confidence, and Nine at the Top treads upon it, which bears the meaning of walking in good faith.
Six in the Fifth Place has the virtue of radiant civilization, and Nine at the Top can lower its resolve to respond to it, which bears the meaning of honoring the worthy and exalting the good. Dwelling in this manner accords with the utmost Way.
Naturally, he will enjoy blessings and celebration: Heaven assists him. His conduct accords with Heaven and receives Heaven's help; therefore wherever he goes there is good fortune, and nothing that is not advantageous.
The Xiang Commentary says: 'Possession in Great Measure at the top brings good fortune: heaven blesses him.' At the peak of Possession in Great Measure, things reach an extreme and must transform.
Because his conduct accords with Heaven and harmonizes with the Way, Heaven assists him, which is why there is good fortune. When a gentleman is full without overflowing, Heaven blesses him.
The Xici elaborates: 'Whom Heaven assists is the compliant; whom men assist is the faithful. Treading in good faith and contemplating compliance, while honoring the worthy: therefore from Heaven comes assistance; good fortune, nothing that is not advantageous.'
Treading in good faith refers to treading upon the Fifth, for the Fifth's open center is faithful. Contemplating compliance means humbly yielding without clinging to position. Honoring the worthy means directing one's will to follow the Fifth.
In the age of Possession in Great Measure, one must not remain in fullness and abundance; dwelling further in fullness is unfitting. Among the six lines, all delight in holding authority and position; only the initial and top lines do not dwell in position.
Thus Nine at the Beginning is without blame, and Nine at the Top brings nothing that is not advantageous. Nine at the Top dwells above, treading in good faith and contemplating compliance; hence dwelling above he attains good fortune, truly blessed by Heaven.
Yichuan Yizhuan, Volume 1
<Classics Section, Yijing Category, Yichuan Yizhuan>
Yichuan Yizhuan, Volume 2
Zhouyi Upper Canon