What this change means
A Lake settles on the Mountain as the fourth and fifth lines move, and the upper Earth opens into water that the heights can hold. The fifth line leads: if you have authority, stand with your neighbors instead of relying on wealth, avoid abuse, and don't let other people's mistakes slide; observe, then act with measure. The fourth line supports it with humility spread wide, tasks done wholeheartedly and without expecting thanks. The resulting hexagram, 31 Attraction, says good results come to the extent that you stay open and receptive, so that people who can help draw near generously and without self-interest. The noble person, empty, receives others. Authority and openness meet here. You can correct what's wrong and still be approachable. Make room for others rather than filling every space yourself, and the support you need tends to come of its own accord.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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 31 Attraction
You'll get good results to the extent that you stay open and receptive, which lets people come close who will support you and help you get there, generously and without self-interest.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Taking a wife brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
31 Attraction → 15 Simplicitylines 4 and 5
Other transformations of Simplicity
- 11Well-Beinglines 1 and 2
- 24Coming Backlines 1 and 3
- 7The Armylines 2 and 3
- 55Abundancelines 1 and 4
- 32What Lastslines 2 and 4
- 16Passionlines 3 and 4
- 63After the Endlines 1 and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 2 and 5
- 8Unionlines 3 and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 6
- 23The Falllines 3 and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 4 and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.