Transformation · lines 2, 4, and 5

The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Gradual Progress

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A tree on the mountain, growing slowly: lines two, four and five turn the vessel into Wind over Mountain. The Vessel's judgment describes a change that happens without upheaval, the way food cooks, gradually and in its own time. The resulting hexagram, 53 Gradual Progress, says progress will come in stages that make it stable and lasting, and that trying to speed it up only brings delays. Balanced, these two speak with one voice: patience is the method. Keep your enthusiasm steady rather than intense, know what resources you have, and let each stage finish before you start the next. Watch for impatience, especially when the first steps feel small. The slow pace isn't a problem to solve; it's what makes the result hold. One step, then another, and the change settles into something solid.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 53 Gradual Progress

    You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.

    The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Line 5 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

    Your qualities will carry you to success without your having to prove anything. Naturally, everything will go your way.

    The cauldron with yellow ears and a bar of gold. Constancy is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Wind Mountain
Above Fire Wind

The way back

53 Gradual Progress → 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
lines 2, 4, and 5

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.

Toss the coins