What this change means
The fifth line of Simplicity moves, and Water gathers on top of the Mountain. This is the ruler's line, and it says something unexpected about humility: not rich, standing with your neighbors, it may be right to attack and subdue. If you hold power, don't abuse it, but don't overlook other people's mistakes either. Watch carefully, then act in measure. The resulting hexagram, 39 Held Back, explains the setting. Every advance meets a block, forcing you to stop, step back and look for support from people who share your aims. Together they describe modest authority in hard going. You can't push through alone, and you can't pretend nothing is wrong. Gather allies, correct what needs correcting without cruelty, and turn back to your own conduct when progress stalls. The obstacles tend to give way one at a time.
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.
- 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 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
39 Held Back → 15 Simplicityline 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.