Transformation · lines 2, 4, and 6

Simplicity becomes The Vessel of Nourishment

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire burns above wood as the second, fourth and top lines move, and the image becomes a cauldron over a steady flame. Weigh both judgments equally: Simplicity contributes its call to be plain and fair. The resulting hexagram, 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, describes a time of change and adjustment that comes about naturally, without upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame of your enthusiasm lit, and be clear about your resources, like a cook choosing ingredients. Humility suits this slow cooking. You don't have to force a transformation or announce it; you only need to tend it with care. Set your own place right and keep your commitments firm. Weigh what you have, use it well, and let the change take shape little by little. What's prepared patiently and modestly tends to nourish more people.

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 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

    It's a time of change and adjustment, and it will happen naturally, without great upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame lit: it's the enthusiasm that gives you the strength to keep going. And be clear about the resources you have, the way a cook chooses the ingredients. The change will come about little by little.

    Great good fortune. Success.

  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 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.

  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 Wind
Above Earth Fire

The way back

50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 15 Simplicity
lines 2, 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