Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 6

Right Action becomes Treading Carefully

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Four lines move, and the figure becomes heaven over a lake: a path to walk with care. The counsel rests on the second and fifth lines of the result, which don't change. The second says that working on your projects on your own, for now, will lead to success. The fifth says that if you're aware of the danger of going ahead and act with caution, you'll succeed. So 48 Right Action opens onto 10 Treading Carefully, a difficult situation where awareness and gentleness can win over even possible rivals. The opportunity is real, but the ground is delicate. Use what you have quietly and independently, without leaning on others' approval. Move forward knowing the risks, and conduct yourself with tact. Telling high from low, as the image says, helps you find your footing.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 2 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still

    Staying on your own with your projects, for now, will lead you to success.

    Treading a level, open road. For one who lives apart, constancy brings good fortune.

  2. Line 5 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still

    If you're aware of the danger in going ahead and you act with caution, you'll succeed.

    A resolute step. Constancy is in danger.

  3. The judgment of 48 Right Action

    You're at a moment when opportunities are on your side. But if you don't know how to use them because you keep putting off decisions and actions, being in the right place at the right time won't do you any good. It's not about looking for new things but about making use of what you have, or there will be loss.

    The town is changed, the well is not. Nothing lost, nothing gained. They come and go, and draw from the well. Nearly there, the rope does not yet reach the well; if the jar breaks, misfortune.

  4. Line 1 of 48 Right Action

    Your mood is low, so everything looks bleak to you: you don't see the opportunities and you don't draw help.

    A muddy well: no one drinks. No birds come to the old well.

  5. Line 3 of 48 Right Action

    You aren't using all your talents, and you have many, so the opportunities are there but you don't take them.

    The well is cleaned, and no one drinks: my heart aches. Water could be drawn. If the king were clear-sighted, all would share in the blessing.

  6. Line 4 of 48 Right Action

    It's time to rethink and focus on the opportunities. If you focus on action and use your talents, you'll succeed.

    The well is lined with brick. No fault.

  7. Line 6 of 48 Right Action

    You have all the talents and abilities to act and seize the moment, and you also want to contribute to those around you: there will be success.

    Water is drawn from the well: do not cover it. There is sincere trust. Great good fortune.

  8. The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully

    You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.

    Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.

The trigrams

Below Wind Lake
Above Water Heaven

The way back

10 Treading Carefully → 48 Right Action
lines 1, 3, 4, and 6

Other transformations of Right Action

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins