Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Leaving Behind becomes Inaction
What this change means
Clouds gather over Heaven as four lines move; listen to the two lines of 5 Inaction that remain at rest. Its third is short: hasty action brings trouble. Its fifth asks you to keep your goal while you relax, rest, and watch without acting. After the work of withdrawing, this may feel strange. You've let go and recovered some strength, and the instinct is to use it. But the time isn't ripe yet. Waiting here isn't idleness; it's preparation for an active stretch that's coming. Look at conditions honestly, without telling yourself what you want to hear, and stay alert for the moment to act. Eat, rest, and enjoy what's simple. The goal stays where it is, and you'll reach it better rested than rushed.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
If you act in haste, you'll run into trouble.
Waiting in the mud. It brings the raiders on.
- Line 5 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
It's important to keep your goal, but relax, rest and watch without acting.
Waiting with wine and food. Constancy brings good fortune.
- The judgment of 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 33 Leaving Behind
In hard times, when retreat can't be avoided, you'll suffer losses if you don't pull back quickly and actively and still hope to get something out of that road.
Retreating at the tail. Danger. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet.
- Line 2 of 33 Leaving Behind
If you leave behind what doesn't serve you and hold fast to what is fair and right, you'll reach your goals in the end.
Bound with the hide of a yellow ox: no one can work it loose.
- Line 4 of 33 Leaving Behind
You need to leave this road behind without clinging and without regret, sure that it's the right thing. Otherwise, even if you let go, a grieving heart will keep you from opening up to what's new.
A retreat with affection. For the noble person, good fortune; for the petty person, not so.
- Line 6 of 33 Leaving Behind
You're in the right position to leave behind what has run its course. You can do it knowing it's right and without mourning the loss, and this will bring you great success.
A retreat at ease. Nothing that is not favorable.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 33 Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Leaving Behind
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.