What this change means
The fourth line moves and the upper Wind becomes Heaven. Of all the lines in Gentleness, this one shows capacity: you're able to act as the situation requires, so go ahead, neither rushing nor holding back. Regret vanishes, and the old image is a hunt that brings home three kinds of game. The resulting hexagram, 44 Lack of Firmness, adds a sober counterweight. Success can make you careless about the people and situations around you, the ones you think you can handle and so don't take seriously; a bad habit can hide here too. If you don't set firm limits, they can end up controlling you. So act, and act well, while staying alert to what's coming close. The skill that lets you do what the moment needs should also tell you where to say no.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 57 Gentlenessline 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.