Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 6

Simplicity becomes Immaturity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A spring breaks out at the foot of the Mountain as the second, third and top lines move. Each judgment gets equal weight. The first, from Simplicity, warns against boasting and asks for simple, fair conduct. The resulting hexagram, 4 Immaturity, says you don't yet have the maturity needed for what you're after in this area, and asks you to act with humility: seek guidance, ask for advice and put what you learn into practice. Here the two point the same way. Humility stops being a quality others admire and becomes a method for learning. Admit what you don't know, find someone who does, and follow through on what they teach. The image adds decisiveness and the patient nurturing of character. Don't pretend to be further along than you are. Real progress tends to start with that honest admission.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 4 Immaturity

    Be aware that you don't yet have the maturity you need to reach what you're after in the area of your question. Act with humility: ask for guidance, seek advice and counsel, and put what you're told into practice.

    Success. I do not go looking for the ignorant youth; the ignorant youth comes looking for me. The first time the oracle is asked, I answer. A second and a third asking is an offense, and an offense gets no answer. Constancy is favorable.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Below Mountain Water
Above Earth Mountain

The way back

4 Immaturity → 15 Simplicity
lines 2, 3, 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