Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 6
Inaction becomes Release from Obstacles
What this change means
The tension of 5 Inaction begins to scatter: with the first, third and top lines moving, Heaven below becomes Water and the Water above becomes Wind, which blows across it. Three lines move, so both judgments weigh the same. From the starting hexagram comes the call to prepare while waiting, to face conditions honestly, and to stay relaxed and alert for the moment to act.
59 Release from Obstacles, the resulting hexagram, says you can free yourself from what's holding you back if you act sincerely and bring opposing sides together around shared aims. The tension came from selfishness; humility and going with the current release it. So use the waiting to soften your stance. Look for common ground rather than victory. Watch for pushing against the flow, or for treating the situation as a contest only one side can win.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles
You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.
Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 5 Inaction
You still have control over the situation. It's time to act in a relaxed way, while keeping an eye on what's happening.
Waiting on the outskirts. It is favorable to hold steady. No fault.
- Line 3 of 5 Inaction
If you act in haste, you'll run into trouble.
Waiting in the mud. It brings the raiders on.
- Line 6 of 5 Inaction
At a moment when everything seems to be against you, help appears that will resolve the situation.
Into the pit. Three guests come without being called; receiving them with respect brings good fortune at last.
The trigrams
The way back
59 Release from Obstacles → 5 Inactionlines 1, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Inaction
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, and 4
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 3, and 4
- 17Adaptinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 3, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 2, 3, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 2, 4, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 3, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, and 6
- 42Increaselines 2, 3, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 4, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 3, 4, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 3, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.