Transformation · line 3
Small Things becomes Inner Integrity
What this change means
What the third line asks is that you stop forcing it. Here the spokes come loose from the cart and husband and wife glare at each other: pushing ahead at any cost only draws bigger obstacles from outside, and the strain shows up in your closest bonds. It's the one warning line in the lower half of Small Things, and it's the heart of this reading. With it the lower Heaven gives way to Lake, and the figure becomes 61 Inner Integrity. That shift points to the remedy. When you're whole inside, it shows outside, and your truth can move people where pressure couldn't. So look at what the forcing is costing you, mend the friction you've caused, and find your footing in what you actually believe. The success you want isn't ruled out; it just won't come from dragging a broken cart forward.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 9 Small Things
Trying to advance at any cost only brings bigger obstacles from outside.
The spokes come loose from the cart. Husband and wife glare at each other.
- The judgment of 9 Small Things
You're facing a situation that promises success, but it isn't time yet. There are still obstacles on the way that you need to resolve. For now you can take small actions and wait for the right moment to act on a large scale.
Success. Dense clouds and no rain, from my western outskirts.
- The judgment of 61 Inner Integrity
When you're whole within, it shows on the outside, and you'll be able to do great things and to let your truth move others toward great undertakings.
Piglets and fish: good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
61 Inner Integrity → 9 Small Thingsline 3
Other transformations of Small Things
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.