I Ching · No.10 · Lü / Treading [conduct]

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

(Lî suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.

Translation

Lü Hexagram. Treading on the tail of a tiger, the tiger does not bite the person, auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Dui, representing Lake. Heaven above and Lake below; the noble and the humble are clearly distinguished. This is the image of the Lü hexagram. The superior person observes this image, thereby distinguishing upper and lower, noble and humble, causing the people to follow rules and behave properly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Uneasy steps, difficulties and dangers; remain humble and self-respecting, serve the master with respect and caution. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a difficult period with many setbacks and obstacles. It is not suitable to advance hastily in anything; one must proceed step-by-step and act with caution.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Advance in proper sequence; do not attempt to climb high by relying on connections.
• Wealth 财运: Examine the goods clearly; wait for the right time to sell.
• Household 家宅: The household is strict and orderly.
• Health 身体: Regulate and clear the Qi and blood.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Family Estate 家业: An image of a solemn household with obedient servants and concubines.
• Officialdom 任官: An image of gradual promotion in official rank; if one attempts to gain favor and force an advance, it will lead to unfavorable results instead.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to distinguish the quality of goods, investigate market conditions, and wait for the right time to sell, which will surely yield a high price.
• Travel 出行: Favorable for traveling to coastal areas.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to clear and regulate the middle jiao (triple burner).
• Lost Items 遗失: Temporarily covered or hidden by something; it will reappear on its own after a long time.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below and Qian above). Qian represents Heaven and Dui represents Lake. Heaven is used as a metaphor for the ruler, and Lake for the people. The original text: 'Treading on the tail of the tiger, it does not bite the person.' Therefore, the outcome is auspicious. The ruler is above and the people are below, each in their proper place. The yielding Dui meets the firm Qian, making the treading perilous. Lü means practice or conduct, and the meaning of the hexagram is to forge ahead down-to-earth.

• Overall Image 大象: The weak meets the strong, an image of wanting to walk but finding it difficult; it is hard and dangerous.
• Fortune 运势: Labor first and ease later; alarmed at the beginning and peaceful afterwards. It is not suitable to advance hastily in anything. One must treat others with harmony; there will be alarms but no real danger.
• Career 事业: Very unsuccessful at first, facing various threats. If one can heighten vigilance, be extremely cautious, stay down-to-earth, and overcome difficulties one by one without changing one's determination, the goal will surely be achieved. Have self-knowledge in handling affairs, act according to one's capability, do not ignore reality, and especially do not show off strength or rush for quick success.
• Business 经商: It is advisable to wait and observe the situation. Do not shake one's plans for petty gains, especially do not be insatiably greedy, adhere to business ethics, and understand comprehensive information.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One must have perseverance, pursue diligently, not be enticed by wealth, nor be disturbed by worldly matters. By adhering to one's ambitions and ideals, success can be achieved.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Both parties are content with a simple life and can get along harmoniously; if one party is swayed by wealth and status, a marital crisis will occur.
• Decision 决策: All matters must be approached with caution and prudence; unfavorable situations will frequently arise. However, if handled well, there will always be alarms but no real danger, turning danger into safety. To this end, one must handle affairs in all earnestness, follow the correct path, humbly listen to others' suggestions, act according to one's capability, and never be conceited or show off; there will surely be a good outcome.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject treading his accustomed path. If he go forward, there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Conducting oneself with simple and honest sincerity leads to no harm. The Image says: Conducting oneself with simple and honest sincerity means one can pursue one's aspirations independently.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, if planning is well-calculated, financial benefits will increase day by day. If officials cultivate virtue and nurture themselves, there will be opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Wait for the opportunity; achievement will naturally follow.
• Wealth 财运: Maintain the existing business; profit will surely be gained over time.
• Household 家宅: The household is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Jogging is beneficial.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fame & Career 功名: It is advisable to dwell in peace and enjoy the path, waiting for the timing to become favorable; going forward will be in every way beneficial.
• Business 营商: Keep strictly to the old business; profit will surely be gained after a long time.
• Plans 谋事: It is advisable to wait patiently; haste is not recommended.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to advance alone and secretly to spy on the enemy's situation; no blame.
• Household 家宅: 'Peaceful tread brings happiness'; the household is auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sung (Conflict). Although there is profit to be made (capturing prisoners), one must remain vigilant and cautious. The matter is auspicious in the middle, but dangerous in the end. Divining this, it is favorable to see great men, but unfavorable to cross the great river. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: The upper trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Kan, representing Water. Heaven and water move in opposite directions, going their separate ways, which is contrary to reason. This is the image of Sung. Reflecting on this image, the superior man takes heed to prevent conflict, being extremely cautious at the very beginning of planning any enterprise.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Heaven is high and water is deep, reaching far but not in intimacy. Be cautious in planning and retreat to defend; with respect and awe, there will be no misfortune. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are unsettled, things are mostly unfavorable, and there are many disputes and lawsuits with others. It is advisable to cultivate character, nurture nature, and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Qian above). It is the opposite of the Hsü (Waiting) hexagram, making them reciprocal 'Zong' hexagrams. Qian represents strength and vigor, while Kan represents danger and entrapment. Strength and danger, vigor and danger, oppose each other, inevitably generating conflict. Conflict is not a good thing; one must be prudent and cautious.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject treading the path that is level and easy;--a quiet and solitary man, to whom, if he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: The path of the traveler is level and broad; for a quiet, secluded person, there is constancy and good fortune. The Image says: The quiet, secluded person remains pure and upright because they are central and correct, not deluded by the world.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, they will enjoy peaceful contentment, cultivating themselves and nurturing their nature. For officials, it portends retiring safely and completely.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Keep one's aspirations noble; cultivate oneself with the Dao.
• Wealth 财运: Prices are stable; there will be slight profit.
• Household 家宅: Analyze property; beware of losses.
• Health 身体: Take care of the eyes.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fame & Career 功名: An image of keeping one's aspirations noble.
• Business 营商: For the time being, prices are average; micro profits can be obtained.
• Travel 出行: Stable and obtaining good fortune.
• Lifelong Outlook 终身: Implying respectful self-cultivation.
• Household 家宅: Implying the division or analysis of property.
• Lost Items 失物: Concern over unexpected loss.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wu Wang (Innocence) Hexagram. Great progress and success, divination yields an auspicious omen. If behavior is improper, there will be disaster, and it will be unfavorable to go anywhere. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian (Heaven) and the lower trigram is Zhen (Thunder). Under heaven, spring thunder rolls, and all things sprout, grow, and multiply; this is the image of Wu Wang. The ancient kings, observing this image, made diligent efforts, complied with the seasons, and nourished all things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No deceit and no delusion, true and utmost sincerity; in harmony with nature, blessings and wealth are deep and vast. Minor Auspiciousness: For those who get this hexagram, follow nature; those who maintain the correct path will find everything suitable. But those who behave improperly will surely invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below and Qian above). Qian is Heaven, firm and strong; Zhen is Thunder, firm and active. Active and strong, with abundant Yang, people's hearts are inspired, and there will surely be gains. However, one must follow the pure and correct path and not act recklessly. Innocence brings gains and surely leads to blessings.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows a one-eyed man (who thinks he) can see; a lame man (who thinks he) can walk well; one who treads on the tail of a tiger and is bitten. (All this indicates) ill fortune. We have a (mere) bravo acting the part of a great ruler.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can tread, but they are forcing themselves. Treading on the tail of the tiger, it bites the man; misfortune. A warrior acting as a great ruler is also in danger. The Image says: A one-eyed man can see, but his vision is insufficient to distinguish things. A lame man can tread, but his strength is insufficient to walk. The tiger bites the man because Six in the third place is a yin line occupying a yang position, which is inappropriate. A warrior acting as a great ruler represents transgression and rebellion; exercising the will of Nine in the fifth place from the position of Six in the third place will surely bring calamity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, there will be disputes, litigation, and prison troubles; in extreme cases, the family may be ruined and members perish. For officials, there is the calamity of demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is advisable to retreat and hold; acting rashly leads to misfortune.
• Wealth 财运: Deceived by others; goods are slow-selling.
• Household 家宅: Obscure and unclear; the small oppresses the great.
• Health 身体: Take care of the eyes and feet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Household 家宅: An image of obscurity and lack of clarity, where the small oppresses the great.
• Business 营商: Concern over being deceived by others and unable to sell off goods quickly.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to retreat and defend, not to attack; those who act rashly will meet misfortune.
• Travelers 行人: Fearing danger midway.
• Lost Items 失物: Look for it nearby; it will be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, but beware of defects in the infant.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and smooth progress, a favorable divination. The Image says: Heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, running without cease. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on heaven and strengthens himself ceaselessly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Strong, vigorous, and flourishing, the work of growth and development; everything goes smoothly, but guard against being too strong. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, and one makes oneself strong ceaselessly. It is an image of achieving both fame and wealth; one should seize opportunities and strive for results. If a woman obtains this hexagram, there is a suspicion of being overly rigid and upright.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Ch'ien below, Ch'ien above). It symbolizes heaven, represents the dragon (a superior man of virtue and talent), and also symbolizes pure Yang and vigor, indicating prosperity and strength. The Ch'ien hexagram is based on the principle of the adaptation and transformation of all things. With 'sublimity, success, furtherance, perseverance' (Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen) as the hexagram statement, it indicates good fortune and smooth progress, teaching people to abide by the virtue of the Way of Heaven.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject treading on the tail of a tiger. He becomes full of apprehensive caution, and in the end there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Treading on the tail of the tiger. If one is fearful and cautious, it leads to good fortune in the end. The Image says: Fearful and cautious, leading to good fortune in the end, shows that although one experiences trials, one's aspirations can be carried out.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, there will be danger; it is advisable to be gentle and self-controlled to avoid calamity. For officials, it portends becoming a commander with military authority. Scholars will achieve good results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gentle and sincere; calamity can eventually be avoided.
• Wealth 财运: Do not rush to sell; profit will eventually be obtained.
• Household 家宅: Manage the household steadily.
• Health 身体: Walk carefully.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Treating others with gentleness and handling matters with sincerity; although facing danger, calamity is eventually avoided. This is a time of stable fortune.
• Business 营商: It is not advisable to sell off goods hastily; one should be cautious and patient, and profit will eventually be obtained.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to hold fast when facing danger; with reinforcement, victory will be achieved, turning defeat into victory.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Safe birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kung Fû (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in crossing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chung Fu hexagram. Offering pigs and fish; though the offering is modest, the heart is sincere—auspicious. It is also beneficial to cross the great river. This is an auspicious divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui is marsh. Wind over the marsh, wind rising and waves surging—this is the image of Chung Fu. In observing this hexagram, the noble person, inspired by the transformation of the state through moral influence, prioritizes moral education first, and thus carefully deliberates legal trials and does not lightly impose severe punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Trustworthy and substantial, sincere and faithful; assisted by close friends, plans and hopes can be fulfilled. Small good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the upright and sincere will find good fortune, receiving help from friends and succeeding in their endeavors; those with evil intentions will face misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Xun above). The original meaning of Fu is to hatch; the hatching date of an egg is highly precise, carrying the meaning of trust or faithfulness. The shape of the hexagram is solid on the outside and empty on the inside, symbolizing sincerity and truth in the heart, hence it is called the Chung Fu (Inner Truth) hexagram. This is the foundation of establishing oneself and conducting oneself in society.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows the resolute tread of its subject. Though he be firm and correct, there will be peril.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Resolute treading. Perseverance brings danger. The Image says: Resolute treading, perseverance brings danger, but Nine in the fifth place is a yang line occupying the central position of the upper trigram, which is correct and appropriate. Therefore, though there is danger, it is not calamitous.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, acting rashly and impulsively will bring impending calamity, in extreme cases risking one's life. For officials, their merit may overshadow the ruler without receiving rewards.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Dispersing the clouds to see the sun; do not forget the hardships.
• Wealth 财运: Work together in harmony; reluctant selling is profitable.
• Household 家宅: Think of danger in times of peace to ensure safety.
• Health 身体: From danger to safety.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Bitterness first and sweetness later. Currently, it is a time of dispersing the clouds to see the sun, yet one should not forget the past hardships; only by remaining diligent and cautious can wealth be preserved long-term.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to work together in harmony. Goods should not be sold in a hurry; rich profits will surely be obtained over time.
• Lost Items 失物: An image of the lost item returning on its own without needing to be searched for.
• Officialdom 官途: Promotion has already been obtained; only by being cautious can it be preserved forever.
• Illness 疾病: Dangerous first, then stable.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwei indicates that, (notwithstanding the condition of things which it denotes), in small matters there will (still) be good success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

K'uei (Opposition) Hexagram. Divining this hexagram indicates good fortune in small matters. The 'Image' says: The upper trigram is Li, which represents fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Fire above and marsh below, diverging from each other—this is the image of Opposition. The superior man, observing this image, synthesizes the commonalities of all things and analyzes their differences.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts are directed outward, running counter to the Dao; it is difficult to achieve success, and it is not advisable to take major actions. Ominous: Those who obtain this hexagram have poor fortune; like water and fire being incompatible, they contradict each other, and all matters are difficult to succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Dui below, Li above). Li is Fire; Dui is Marsh. Fire above and marsh below, opposing and not aiding each other. Overcoming generates life, cycles without emptiness. All things have differences, there must be deviations, contradicting each other. K'uei (Opposition) means contradiction.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, tells us to look at (the whole course) that is trodden, and examine the presage which that gives. If it be complete and without failure, there will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Examine the conduct and consider the details repeatedly. Supreme good fortune. The Image says: Supreme good fortune, because Nine at the top occupies the head of the entire hexagram. It portends that the person will have major celebrations.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, financial profits can be acquired. Officials should retire to enjoy the blessings of peace and tranquility. Diligent scholars can achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Late fortune is smooth; complete with both blessings and longevity.
• Wealth 财运: Transactions and operations are without exception profitable.
• Household 家宅: Only households that accumulate goodness will have remaining blessings.
• Health 身体: One's natural lifespan is limited.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently a time of peace and happiness. The person must have lived without fault; late fortune is smooth, complete with both blessings and longevity, which is extremely auspicious.
• Business 营商: Transactions and operations back and forth all yield great profit.
• Household 家宅: Blessings and disasters have no door, they are only drawn in by oneself. If one accumulates goodness, there will surely be remaining blessings.
• Illness 疾病: Fearing that one's natural lifespan is limited.
• Lost Items 失物: Found without searching.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will surely give birth to a noble child.
• Warfare 战征: Great victory and triumph; returning home with songs of victory.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tui Hexagram. Prevalence. An auspicious divination. The Great Image says: This hexagram consists of two Tui trigrams stacked together, and Tui represents a lake; two lakes connected, their waters mingling and flowing together, is the image of Tui. Reflecting on this image, the superior man joins with friends for discussion and practice, and expands his knowledge.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The lake moistens all things, bringing double joy; harmony and happiness among peers, while firmly maintaining the correct path. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have many celebratory events and harmonious relationships, but they must firmly adhere to the correct path, otherwise disaster will strike.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigram (Lake below, Lake above). The lake represents water. Two lakes connected, two waters mingling, the upper and lower in harmony, united as one, with mutual help from friends, bringing joy and happiness. Tui means pleasure. Both sharing the virtue of strength and firmness inside, while presenting a gentle and yielding posture outside, firmly walking the correct path, and guiding the people upward.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.