Transformation · lines 1, 4, 5, and 6
Release from Obstacles becomes A Subordinate Role
What this change means
Thunder now sounds above the lake as four lines move: 54 A Subordinate Role. The two still lines, the second and the third, carry the reading. The second says that even if the person you answer to ignores you, keeping your position and your loyalty will show your greatness. The third says that, as things stand, it's better to hold a secondary place than to be alone. After a time of dispersal, this may sting. You might want to break off on your own and prove your worth. The resulting hexagram advises against it: personal initiative now tends to fail. Accept second place for the moment. Stay loyal, do your part well, and keep your dignity even if no one notices. Recognize the moment and act in keeping with it until your position improves.
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.
- Line 3 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Given the present circumstances, it's better to stay in a subordinate position than to be alone.
The young woman marries as a servant; she comes back and marries as a second wife.
- The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles
You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.
Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 59 Release from Obstacles
Before the separation begins, you can use your resources to prevent it by joining forces.
Rescue comes with a strong horse. Good fortune.
- Line 4 of 59 Release from Obstacles
Free yourself from personal loyalties and focus on what you want to achieve; this will lead you to success.
Scatters its band: great good fortune. The scattering forms a hill: not what ordinary people imagine.
- Line 5 of 59 Release from Obstacles
In times of deep division and widespread selfishness, make unity your aim, even if it means yielding more than you think you should.
Scatters its great proclamation like sweat. Scatters the dwelling of the king. No fault.
- Line 6 of 59 Release from Obstacles
Get away in time from whatever puts you and your people in danger. Withdrawing now isn't running away: it's dissolving the risk before it reaches you, and there's no mistake in that.
Scatters its blood; goes away, departs far off. No fault.
- 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 → 59 Release from Obstacleslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Release from Obstacles
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.