Transformation · lines 3 and 4

Gentleness becomes Conflict

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind below turns to Water and wind above to Heaven as the third and fourth lines move, and the two halves start pulling in opposite directions. The fourth line leads: you have the ability to act as required, at a steady pace, and regret can vanish. The third line warns about the opposite habit, turning things over without deciding, which only adds to your distress. The resulting hexagram, 6 Conflict, explains why care is needed. A dispute is arising that action alone won't solve, and cleverness works better than force. Accepting that you can't settle everything now, letting events run their course, and consulting someone wise in the matter can help you get out of it. So use your capacity where it fits, decide what is yours to decide, and leave the fight itself alone.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. The judgment of 6 Conflict

    A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.

    There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.

The trigrams

Below Wind Water
Above Wind Heaven

The way back

6 Conflict → 57 Gentleness
lines 3 and 4

Other transformations of Gentleness

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins