What this change means
Thunder sounds in the middle of the Lake, energy resting inside calm water, after the first, third, fourth and fifth lines turn. Of 17 Adapting, only the second and top lines stay unmoved, so listen to them. One says that choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with is what makes your projects succeed. The other says you can win followers and support, and that even the most powerful people may back you and recognize you. From Simplicity, the path is clear enough. The recognition humility hoped for can arrive, but it depends on the company you keep. Be selective about your circle, leading and following as the moment asks. Take the place life is offering you right now and act genuinely from there. When dusk comes, rest. Support gathered this way tends to be solid, because it rests on trust rather than on display.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 17 Adapting, which stays still
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- Line 6 of 17 Adapting, which stays still
You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.
Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.
- 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 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.
- The judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
17 Adapting → 15 Simplicitylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Simplicity
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 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
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 5, 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.