Transformation · lines 2 and 5
Leaving Behind becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
Wood below and Fire above, a pot set over the flame: the second and fifth lines move, and retreat turns into slow transformation. The fifth line leads. Step back at the right moment, staying on friendly terms with those you leave, and success follows. The second line supplies the backbone: hold onto what is fair and right with a grip that won't slip, even as you release what no longer serves you. The resulting hexagram, 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, describes change that happens naturally, without upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep your enthusiasm alive, because it's the fire that keeps you going, and be clear about the resources you really have, as a cook chooses ingredients. Leave well, keep your principles, and let the new situation take shape little by little instead of forcing it.
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 33 Leaving Behind
Withdrawing at the right moment, and doing it on friendly terms with the circumstances and the people you leave behind, will bring you success.
A fine retreat. Constancy brings good fortune.
- 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
It's a time of change and adjustment, and it will happen naturally, without great upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame lit: it's the enthusiasm that gives you the strength to keep going. And be clear about the resources you have, the way a cook chooses the ingredients. The change will come about little by little.
Great good fortune. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 33 Leaving Behindlines 2 and 5
Other transformations of Leaving Behind
- 1Activitylines 1 and 2
- 25Innocencelines 1 and 3
- 6Conflictlines 2 and 3
- 37The Tribelines 1 and 4
- 57Gentlenesslines 2 and 4
- 20Observinglines 3 and 4
- 30The Flamelines 1 and 5
- 35Advancelines 3 and 5
- 52Abidinglines 4 and 5
- 49Renewallines 1 and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2 and 6
- 45Meetinglines 3 and 6
- 39Held Backlines 4 and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.