Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 6

Simplicity becomes Transition

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire now stands over Water, the moment before a crossing is complete, once the second, third, fourth and top lines turn. Look to the first and fifth lines of 64 Transition, which stay unmoved. The first warns that rushing for results instead of going step by step will make you lose your way. The second says you get what you want and will be able to enjoy it and add to the well-being of others. Simplicity's patience is what bridges the two. Things are coming together, but some pieces haven't fallen into place yet, and immature mistakes could still set you back, even after you've reached your goal. Tell things apart carefully and put each in its place. Move at the pace the situation allows, not the pace your hopes demand. Done this way, the success tends to arrive and to be shared.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 1 of 64 Transition, which stays still

    If you rush for results instead of doing things step by step, you'll lose your way.

    Wets its tail. Distress.

  2. Line 5 of 64 Transition, which stays still

    You get what you want; you'll be able to enjoy it and contribute to the well-being of others.

    Constancy brings good fortune. No regret. The light of the noble person: there is sincere trust. Good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 64 Transition

    Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.

    Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Water
Above Earth Fire

The way back

64 Transition → 15 Simplicity
lines 2, 3, 4, and 6

Other transformations of Simplicity

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins