Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Simplicity becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Every line of Simplicity moves, and the whole figure turns over: Mountain becomes Lake, Earth becomes Heaven. When all six change, the reading looks to the resulting hexagram itself, 10 Treading Carefully. You're facing a difficult situation, and the way through is how you carry yourself. Moving with awareness and gentleness, conducting yourself properly, even people who could be rivals may give ground and perhaps become allies. This is where humility leads when it's tested. It isn't about staying hidden anymore; it's about walking near something dangerous with tact. Tell high from low, know your place and respect that of others. Don't provoke, don't rush, and don't lose your composure. Careful, gracious steps can turn a risky path into a safe one.
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 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
- The judgment of 15 Simplicity
This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.
Success. The noble person reaches the end.
- Line 1 of 15 Simplicity
Doing great things without pretension or pride will let you bring what you want to a good end, because you'll have no opponents.
Humble in their humility, the noble person can cross the great river. Good fortune.
- Line 2 of 15 Simplicity
If you do things from the heart and with simplicity, you'll be recognized.
Humility that makes itself heard. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 15 Simplicity
If, despite your position and fame, you stay humble, you won't create rivalries and you'll succeed.
A noble person humble in toil. Reaching the end: good fortune.
- Line 4 of 15 Simplicity
If you carry out your tasks with dedication and without expecting recognition, you'll have great success.
Nothing that is not favorable. Humility spread wide.
- Line 5 of 15 Simplicity
If you hold a position of power, don't abuse it, but don't be careless about other people's mistakes either. It's time to observe and to take measured action.
Not rich, alongside the neighbors. It is favorable to attack and subdue. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 6 of 15 Simplicity
If situations come up that aren't right, your stance must be firm: take the actions needed to correct them.
Humility that makes itself heard. It is favorable to set the army in motion against the town and the country.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 15 Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.