Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Good Manners becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Every line except the fifth moves, and Good Manners turns into 40 Clearing Obstacles, thunder and rain breaking loose. The single still line of the resulting hexagram gives the guidance: decisive action is needed to keep away from the wrong people and situations, and you do it by ignoring them and giving them no attention while you build your inner strength. That's a quiet kind of firmness, and it suits good manners. You don't need confrontation or scenes. Simply stop feeding what drains you. The resulting hexagram also speaks of balance after obstacles have been overcome: act decisively where you can, without overrating yourself, and rest if you need to. Withdraw your attention, recover your strength, and move on. Courtesy can be firm without being loud.
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 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
It's time for decisive action that keeps you away from the wrong people and situations. You do this by ignoring them and paying them no attention while you build up your inner strength.
The noble person need only get free: good fortune. There is sincere trust, even before the petty person.
- The judgment of 22 Good Manners
It's a time to be kind and courteous and to use good manners with others if you want good results in what you undertake. What might seem superficial at another time leads you to success now. It's a time to handle everyday matters, not great undertakings.
Success. In small things, it is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 1 of 22 Good Manners
Success in everyday matters now depends on using the resources that are yours, and no more.
Adorning the feet; leaving the carriage and going on foot.
- Line 2 of 22 Good Manners
Pay attention to what is essential; combining it with good manners will bring you achievement.
Adorning the beard.
- Line 3 of 22 Good Manners
When well-being surrounds you, don't relax too much and lose yourself in it.
Adorned, as if soaked through. Lasting constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 4 of 22 Good Manners
A time of great well-being is coming, and you can allow yourself to enjoy it.
Adorned and white; a white horse as if on wings. Not a raider: one who comes to ask for marriage.
- Line 6 of 22 Good Manners
Your true worth isn't on the outside: it lies in the wonderful jewel that lives within you, and others will recognize it.
White adornment. No fault.
- The judgment of 40 Clearing Obstacles
The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.
The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 22 Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Good Manners
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.