Transformation · lines 2, 5, and 6

Good Manners becomes Inaction

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Clouds rise to the heavens as the second, fifth and top lines move; the result is 5 Inaction. The two judgments count equally. Good Manners favors courtesy and care in everyday matters. Inaction says it's time to wait rather than act, though waiting is preparation for an active period to come, and calm, honest attention to conditions leads to success. These go together easily. While you wait, keep tending the small things gracefully. Don't force big moves. Look at your situation without fooling yourself, stay relaxed, and enjoy what's in front of you, the way the image of the resulting hexagram eats and drinks at the feast. When the time to act arrives, you'll be ready, and in good standing with those around you.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 5 Inaction

    It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.

    There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  3. Line 2 of 22 Good Manners

    Pay attention to what is essential; combining it with good manners will bring you achievement.

    Adorning the beard.

  4. Line 5 of 22 Good Manners

    Your genuine inner attitude, small as it may seem to you, is welcomed and accepted in higher circles.

    Adornment on the hill and in the garden. The roll of silk is meager. Distress; in the end, good fortune.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Fire Heaven
Above Mountain Water

The way back

5 Inaction → 22 Good Manners
lines 2, 5, 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.

Toss the coins