Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 4
Gentleness becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
The first, third and fourth lines move: the lower Wind becomes Lake and the upper becomes Heaven, the sky above, the lake below, each in its place. With three lines changing, both judgments weigh the same. The starting hexagram counsels gentleness: no pressure or force, a single path held steadily, the slow buildup of small actions, and support sought from those above. The resulting hexagram, 10 Treading Carefully, describes a delicate situation in which knowing how to conduct yourself is everything. Moving with awareness and courtesy, you can make even possible rivals give ground, and perhaps become allies. The two judgments ask the same thing in different ways: a soft step that doesn't provoke. Watch your manner as much as your aims. Tact, patience and good conduct are what get you through here, not insistence.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 57 Gentleness
It's a time when you'll gain and succeed through gentleness. This isn't the time for big actions, or for using pressure or force. It's a time to choose a path and stay on it steadily. Even if you don't see much progress, success will show itself through the build-up of small actions and through seeking the support of those above you.
Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 57 Gentleness
Don't give in to indecision: going forward and back will delay your success. Right now firm, decisive action is better than wavering.
Advancing and retreating. The constancy of the warrior is favorable.
- Line 3 of 57 Gentleness
Thinking about what to do without making up your mind to do what needs doing will only delay your success.
Yielding again and again. Distress.
- Line 4 of 57 Gentleness
You're able to act as the situation requires, so go ahead, without haste but without delay, and you'll succeed.
Regret vanishes. In the hunt, three kinds of game are taken.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 57 Gentlenesslines 1, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Gentleness
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 4
- 12Declinelines 2, 3, and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 3, and 5
- 23The Falllines 2, 3, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 4, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 3, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 4, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 3, 4, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 3, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.