Transformation · lines 5 and 6
Gradual Progress becomes Simplicity
What this change means
Within the earth there's a mountain: the top and fifth lines move, the top leading. The top line describes successful progress toward your goal and an example that can inspire others. The fifth recalls isolation and misunderstandings that pass with calm waiting. The resulting hexagram, 15 Simplicity, tells you how to carry your success: without boasting or display. Keep things simple, act fairly, and let your qualities be seen on their own. That modesty also takes the air out of any lingering hostility, because there's nothing to resent in someone who doesn't show off. Share the credit, weigh things evenly, and keep doing the work. Success held lightly tends to be recognized by others and lasts longer than success announced loudly. Your feathers can grace the dance without your needing to point at them.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 53 Gradual Progress
You're moving successfully toward your goal. You'll get what you want and may even inspire others.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the high plain. Its feathers can serve in the ritual dance. Good fortune.
- Line 5 of 53 Gradual Progress
In the middle of your progress you're cut off, and hostile people stir up misunderstandings around you. All you can do is wait calmly for this to pass; it will pass on its own.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the hill. For three years the wife does not conceive; in the end nothing overcomes her. Good fortune.
- 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.
- The judgment of 15 Simplicity
This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.
Success. The noble person reaches the end.
The trigrams
The way back
15 Simplicity → 53 Gradual Progresslines 5 and 6
Other transformations of Gradual Progress
- 9Small Thingslines 1 and 2
- 42Increaselines 1 and 3
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2 and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1 and 4
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2 and 4
- 12Declinelines 3 and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 5
- 23The Falllines 3 and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 4 and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1 and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 2 and 6
- 8Unionlines 3 and 6
- 31Attractionlines 4 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.