Transformation · lines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Simplicity becomes Small Things
What this change means
Wind now drifts across Heaven, strength held back by something soft, when the first, second, fifth and top lines move. Of 9 Small Things, the third and fourth lines stay quiet, and the counsel lives there. The first warns that pushing forward at any price just invites larger obstacles from outside. The second says fair conduct may run into trouble early on, yet the obstacles thin out gradually until the goal is reached. Simplicity already pointed toward fairness, and here it becomes the key to patience. The situation promises success, but not yet. Take small actions, resolve what's still in the way, and wait for the right moment to act on a larger scale. Refine your character in the meantime. Forcing things now would only multiply resistance; fair, modest steps tend to wear it down.
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, which stays still
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.
- Line 4 of 9 Small Things, which stays still
If you act fairly, you may meet difficulties at first, but little by little the obstacles will fade until you reach your goal.
There is sincere trust. The blood goes, the fear leaves. No fault.
- 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 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 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 trigrams
The way back
9 Small Things → 15 Simplicitylines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Simplicity
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 47Overwhelmedlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 42Increaselines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 12Declinelines 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.