Transformation · lines 5 and 6
Simplicity becomes Gradual Progress
What this change means
A tree grows on the Mountain as the fifth and top lines move, and the upper Earth turns into Wind. The top line leads: when things aren't right, your stance must be firm and your corrections real. The fifth line supports it, asking those with power to use it without abuse, not to let others' mistakes slide, and to act in measure after observing. The resulting hexagram, 53 Gradual Progress, adds the pace. Progress comes step by step, in stages that make it stable; hurrying only brings delays. So the firmness of these two upper lines has to be patient. Correct one thing, then the next. Don't try to fix everything in a single stroke. Keep your conduct worthy and let it improve the customs around you over time. Corrections made gradually tend to stay corrected.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
53 Gradual Progress → 15 Simplicitylines 5 and 6
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
- 31Attractionlines 4 and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 6
- 23The Falllines 3 and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 4 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.