Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Thrift becomes Leaving Behind
What this change means
Five lines move and only the fifth holds still: the result is a mountain under heaven, 33 Leaving Behind. That one line carries the reading. It says that withdrawing at the right moment, and on friendly terms with the people and circumstances you leave behind, will bring success. So this change is about a well-timed exit. Measure applies to staying, too. There's a point when continuing costs more than it gives, and recognizing it is wisdom, not defeat. Step back to recover your strength and to think the situation through. Do it graciously. Don't burn bridges or leave in anger; a respectful distance keeps doors open. What looks like a loss can turn into a gain once you release what isn't good for you and set out again in the right direction.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 33 Leaving Behind, which stays still
Withdrawing at the right moment, and doing it on friendly terms with the circumstances and the people you leave behind, will bring you success.
A fine retreat. Constancy brings good fortune.
- 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 6 of 60 Thrift
There are times when restrictions that seem extreme are called for. This is an exceptional time and it needs that kind of behavior, but don't keep it up too long.
Bitter measure. Even with constancy, misfortune. Regret vanishes.
- The judgment of 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
33 Leaving Behind → 60 Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Thrift
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.