Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 4
Decline becomes Inner Integrity
What this change means
Three lines move, the first, second and fourth, and Decline turns into Wind over a Lake: 61 Inner Integrity. The two judgments are weighed equally. Decline describes adverse people and circumstances, a moment for withdrawal, a low profile and no big decisions. 61 Inner Integrity says that when you're whole within, it shows outside, and your truth can move others toward great undertakings. Set side by side, they suggest that even in a stagnant time, the work that matters is inside. You can't change the surroundings right now, but you can make your thoughts, words and actions agree. That coherence is quietly persuasive, and it prepares the ground for what comes next. The image speaks of weighing disputes carefully and postponing harsh sentences. So be slow to condemn, including yourself. Stay honest, stay whole, and let sincerity do the work that pressure can't.
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 12 Decline
You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with those people, no matter what they offer you. Circumstances aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. It's time to keep a low profile.
Stagnation: these are not worthy people. The constancy of the noble person is not favorable. The great goes, the small comes.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 12 Decline
If you recognize the decline and withdraw in time, warning others about it, you'll succeed later on.
The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Constancy brings good fortune. Success.
- Line 2 of 12 Decline
Even when adverse people and situations surround you, keeping your strength inside helps you get through this moment.
Embracing and obeying. For the petty person, good fortune; for the great person, stagnation. Success.
- Line 4 of 12 Decline
If you act genuinely and with inner integrity, you'll come out of any situation well and be rewarded.
There is a mandate. No fault. Companions share in the blessing.
The trigrams
The way back
61 Inner Integrity → 12 Declinelines 1, 2, and 4
Other transformations of Decline
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, and 3
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, and 4
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 3, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 4, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 4, and 5
- 52Abidinglines 3, 4, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 4, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 3, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 5, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.