Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Gentleness becomes A Subordinate Role
What this change means
The second line alone stays put while the rest move, and Lake forms below with Thunder above. The reading rests on that still line of the resulting hexagram: even when the one you report to overlooks you, hold your post and stay loyal, because that is where your greatness shows. The resulting hexagram, 54 A Subordinate Role, describes having to take second place; personal initiative tends to fail now. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is what you can do until your position improves. Gentleness, which seeks the support of those above, meets a harder version of the same lesson. Being overlooked can sting. Stay loyal, do your part well, and resist the urge to push yourself forward. Quiet faithfulness is what's asked.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Even if the person you answer to ignores you, keep your position and your loyalty: this will show your greatness.
The one-eyed can see. The constancy of the one who lives apart is favorable.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 5 of 57 Gentleness
It's time to change course. Reflect before you set out; once you know what you want, taking action will make your success certain.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Nothing that is not favorable. No beginning, yet an end. Three days before the geng day, three days after the geng day: good fortune.
- Line 6 of 57 Gentleness
If you lose heart and drop the project because you don't see results yet, you'll lose what you've gained.
Yielding beneath the bed. Loses goods and axe. Even with constancy, misfortune.
- 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 → 57 Gentlenesslines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Gentleness
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.