Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 4
Simplicity becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as the second, third and fourth lines move: Water below, Thunder above, where once a mountain lay hidden in the earth. Simplicity's judgment and that of the new figure carry the same weight: the first rejects showing off and asks for plainness and fairness. The resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, says the obstacles have fallen one after another, and that this is a time for balance: act quickly and decisively where you can, without overrating your abilities, and rest or even step back when you need to. Humility is what keeps release from turning into recklessness. Relief can make anyone feel invincible. Instead, take honest measure of your strength and of what's left to do. The image adds forgiveness: pardon mistakes, be lenient with wrongs. Clear what remains with a light hand, and don't use your new freedom to settle old scores.
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 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.
- The judgment of 40 Clearing Obstacles
The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.
The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings 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.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 15 Simplicitylines 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Simplicity
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, and 3
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, and 4
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, and 4
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, and 5
- 29Waterlines 2, 3, and 5
- 49Renewallines 1, 4, and 5
- 28Excesseslines 2, 4, and 5
- 45Meetinglines 3, 4, and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 1, 4, and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 4, and 6
- 35Advancelines 3, 4, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 1, 5, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 5, and 6
- 20Observinglines 3, 5, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.