Transformation · line 3
Release from Obstacles becomes Gentleness
What this change means
What would you be willing to give up for the sake of unity? The third line puts this question at the center. When you're clear about your goals and purposes, you can afford to give ground without losing yourself, and that yielding is what gets you past the obstacles. The old line speaks of scattering one's own self, and it says there's no regret in it: letting go of your own position, your pride or your need to be right, costs less than it seems. As the line changes, the Water below becomes Wind, and wind over wind makes 57 Gentleness. This is a time to gain through softness, not pressure. Pick a direction and keep to it steadily, even if progress looks small. Small, patient steps add up, and support from those above you tends to come when you stop pushing.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 59 Release from Obstacles
If you're clear about your goals and purposes, you'll be able to give ground so as to find unity and get past the obstacles.
Scatters its own self. No regret.
- 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.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
57 Gentleness → 59 Release from Obstaclesline 3
Other transformations of Release from Obstacles
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.