Transformation · lines 3 and 4

Inner Peace becomes Inaction

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Clouds rise into the sky as the third and fourth lines move, Heaven forming below and Water above. The fourth line leads. Part of you leans toward serenity and part toward indulgence; the first brings real joy, the second hollow pleasure, and setting the harmful thing aside clears the way for gladness. The third line warns what happens if distractions win: without inner strength, they can become dependencies that pull you from your purpose. The resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, says it's a time to wait rather than act. Waiting isn't idleness, though. Prepare for the active period ahead, stay calm, look at conditions honestly, and remain alert for the right moment. Use the pause to choose serenity over the easy fix. That choice is your real preparation.

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 58 Inner Peace

    You're moving between serenity and indulgence. Indulgence leads to empty pleasure; serenity, to inner joy. That is the true path to success.

    Joy that bargains, never at rest. Once the ill is set apart, there is gladness.

  2. Line 3 of 58 Inner Peace

    If you don't cultivate your inner strength and you let distractions carry you off, you may fall into addictions and drift from your purpose.

    Joy that comes seeking. Misfortune.

  3. The judgment of 58 Inner Peace

    You're in a time of calm and inner peace that lets you achieve great things. Spending time with people whose energy is like yours will nourish and recharge you to reach your aims. Still, don't lose sight of your goals, or you'll slide into inertia.

    Success. Constancy is favorable.

  4. The judgment of 5 Inaction

    It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.

    There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

The trigrams

Below Lake Heaven
Above Lake Water

The way back

5 Inaction → 58 Inner Peace
lines 3 and 4

Other transformations of Inner Peace

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins