Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Coming Back
What this change means
Five lines change, and only the fifth stays put as the figure becomes Earth over Thunder. That still fifth line of 24 Coming Back, the resulting hexagram, holds the advice: move promptly, admit where you went wrong, set it right, and success becomes very likely. The vessel's slow work has brought you to a return, the first stir of movement after a dark stretch. Don't waste it by hesitating. Look honestly at what went wrong before, own it, and fix it now. People are likely to come to help, and your projects can be favored, but only if you don't repeat the old errors. Act promptly and cleanly. A return like this rewards those who learn from the past rather than those who simply wait for things to improve.
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 24 Coming Back, which stays still
Acting without delay, recognizing past mistakes and correcting them, will lead you to sure success.
A generous return. No regret.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
The change will happen under conditions that aren't ideal, but it will come to a good end.
The cauldron upended, feet in the air. It is favorable to tip out what has gone stale. A concubine is taken for the sake of her son. No fault.
- Line 2 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
If you do things the right way, don't fear the envy your achievements stir up.
The cauldron is full. My rival is ill and cannot come near me. Good fortune.
- Line 3 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
For now you're in a place where your talents and qualities aren't recognized. There's nothing to worry about: if you stay true to yourself and act with integrity, success will come in the end.
The ears of the cauldron are altered; its going is blocked. The pheasant fat is not eaten. When the rain comes, regret wanes. In the end, good fortune.
- Line 4 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
If you stray from your purpose and get involved with the wrong people, you won't succeed.
The cauldron breaks a leg and spills the prince's stew. Its form is drenched. Misfortune.
- Line 6 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
Your actions will be richly rewarded. Success in your projects: you find human favor and divine help.
The cauldron with a bar of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 24 Coming Back
After a period of adversity and darkness, the return comes. Still, be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, because if you repeat them you could fall again. People will come to help you, and your undertakings and projects will be favored.
Success. Going out and coming in without harm; friends arrive, no fault. Back and forth along its way: in seven days comes the return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
24 Coming Back → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of The Vessel of Nourishment
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.