Transformation · lines 3, 5, and 6
Good Manners becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder take the place of fire under the mountain as the third, fifth and top lines move, bringing Good Manners to 3 Initial Obstacles. Equal weight goes to the two judgments. Good Manners points to politeness and ordinary business. Initial Obstacles says this isn't the time to act directly; look for allies who can act for you, and stay alert for when to take the initiative back. Courtesy becomes a practical asset here. People are more willing to represent you if you've treated them well. Build those relationships, sort the tangled threads patiently, and don't push into things yourself yet. Watch closely, so you recognize the moment when it's right to step forward again. Goodwill you build now is likely to be there later, when you need it most.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
- 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 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.
- 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
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 22 Good Mannerslines 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Good Manners
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, and 3
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 4
- 35Advancelines 1, 3, and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 2, 3, and 4
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 2, and 5
- 20Observinglines 1, 3, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 3, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 4, and 5
- 1Activitylines 2, 4, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 3, 4, and 5
- 46Going Uplines 1, 2, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 1, 3, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 3, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 3, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 1, 5, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 2, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.