Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Thrift becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Only the top line stays put while the other five move, and the result is thunder over the mountain: 62 Success in Small Matters. That one still line holds the reading. It warns that chasing goals that are out of reach for now will cost you whatever you put into them. So measure stays at the center, though it shifts in kind. It's less about saving and more about scale. This isn't the time for great things; small achievements are what's available, and accepting that keeps you in step with the moment. Look honestly at what you can do with your present means. Choose the modest goal and do it well. Pouring effort into what can't be reached would undo the care you've taken with your resources. Small, steady gains will add up, and the larger aims can wait for their season.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 62 Success in Small Matters, which stays still
If you insist on chasing goals that are out of reach for now, you'll lose whatever you put into them.
Not meeting it, goes past it. The bird in flight falls into the net. Misfortune. This is called calamity and ruin.
- The judgment of 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
- Line 1 of 60 Thrift
Watch for the signs that tell you when it's time to stop.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the door. No fault.
- Line 2 of 60 Thrift
When it's time to move forward, hurry: hesitating without acting will bring trouble.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the gate. Misfortune.
- Line 3 of 60 Thrift
When you can't hold yourself back and set limits, you bring on trouble. If you recognize it and do something about it, you'll get past the obstacles.
One without measure will sigh afterward. No fault.
- Line 4 of 60 Thrift
For good results right now, the limits you set yourself shouldn't be excessive, and you should find a way to enjoy them, to see their kinder side.
Calm measure. Success.
- Line 5 of 60 Thrift
Accept the restrictions of the moment for yourself too, not only for others; this will lead you to success.
Sweet measure. Good fortune. Going earns esteem.
- The judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 60 Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Thrift
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.