Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5

Simplicity becomes Meeting

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

With the third, fourth and fifth lines in motion, the Lake rises over the Earth and the scattered ground becomes a gathering place. Both judgments matter equally. From Simplicity comes the call for fairness, plain living and no boasting. The resulting hexagram, 45 Meeting, describes a very favorable situation where everything is ready for the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help, meet with those who will support you, take on important things, perhaps keep a spiritual practice, and prepare for the unexpected. Modesty is what makes a gathering hold together. People come together more easily around someone who shares fairly and doesn't need to be the center. Call on the right people, and put your affairs in order as you do. The image asks you to keep your weapons ready: good fortune is no reason to drop your guard.

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 45 Meeting

    A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.

    Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

  3. 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.

  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 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 trigrams

Below Mountain Earth
Above Earth Lake

The way back

45 Meeting → 15 Simplicity
lines 3, 4, and 5

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