What this change means
Wind moves over the Earth as the third, fifth and top lines change, sweeping across open ground where the mountain used to hide. In this case both judgments count. The starting one says to drop any bragging and to stay simple and just. The resulting hexagram, 20 Observing, asks you to look before acting. You're a source of inspiration for others right now, and you also need to watch those who inspire you. That double gaze lets things unfold at the right time. Humility makes such observation possible. Someone who needs to be admired rarely looks closely at anyone else. Let your example speak without commentary, and stay a student of people you respect. Visit, listen and take note before deciding. When you finally act, the moment tends to be right, because you saw it coming.
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 20 Observing
Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.
Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.
- 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 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.
- 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
The way back
20 Observing → 15 Simplicitylines 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Simplicity
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, and 3
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, and 4
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, and 4
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 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
- 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.