Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Abiding becomes A Subordinate Role
What this change means
Only the fifth line stays where it was as the others change, and thunder rises over a lake where two mountains stood. That unmoving line in the new figure is the core of the reading. In 54 A Subordinate Role, you have to take second place for now, and personal initiatives tend to fail; the wise course is to accept the moment and act in keeping with it until your position improves. The still fifth line brings comfort: calmly accepting a lower position will bring success, and your talent will show despite circumstances that look unfavorable. So use your practice of stillness. Take the secondary role without resentment, do it well, and let your quality be seen in time. Talent shows best when it isn't pushing.
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 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Calmly accepting a subordinate position right now will bring you success. Your talent will show in spite of a situation that seems unfavorable.
Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage. The lady's sleeves were not as fine as the second wife's. The moon is nearly full. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 52 Abiding
It's a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady: that's the best way forward in your present situation. Sometimes you need to stop, calm and confident, and wait for outer conditions to show you it's time to act. Don't go beyond what's happening now. There's no action, only a harmonious stillness, and staying that way brings success.
Still at the back; the body is not reached. Walking in the courtyard; its people are not seen. No fault.
- Line 1 of 52 Abiding
Better to stop too soon than to take ill-advised steps.
Still the toes. No fault. Lasting constancy is favorable.
- Line 2 of 52 Abiding
Right now you can only see to stopping yourself in the right place; you can't make sure others do the same.
Still the calves. It cannot come to the aid of what it follows; the heart is not glad.
- Line 3 of 52 Abiding
The stillness you need now can't be forced. It has to come from a calm heart and unhurried breathing.
Still the waist; the flesh along the spine is torn. Danger: the heart is smothered.
- Line 4 of 52 Abiding
You're able to stay calm and trust that the universe will take care of things.
Still the trunk. No fault.
- Line 6 of 52 Abiding
There's perfect stillness, an inner calm that lets you master what's outside. Success.
Deep stillness. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 54 A Subordinate Role
You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.
Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
54 A Subordinate Role → 52 Abidinglines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Abiding
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.