Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 5

Success in Small Matters becomes Overflowing

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Three lines change, and the lake climbs above heaven: a quiet, contained situation gives way to pressure that wants to spill over. The two judgments are weighed equally. The starting one sees a season for small achievements, and warns that stretching past your means leads you astray. The resulting hexagram, 43 Overflowing, warns of excessive buildup: some situations are close to getting out of control, both personally and in your relationships. It asks you to bring what's happening into the open without blunt confrontation, watching your words, and to act generously to ease the tension. Together they ask for a light touch under strain. Don't answer the pressure with a big gesture. Name what needs naming in small, careful ways, keep your actions within your means, and use generosity to release the steam before it bursts.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 43 Overflowing

    It's a time of excessive buildup: some situations are about to get out of control and overwhelm you, both personally and in your relationships. You need to bring what's happening into the open, but without speaking about it directly; watch your words so you don't provoke reactions. It's a time to act generously to ease the tension that's there.

    It is proclaimed in the king's court. A sincere cry: there is danger. Word comes from one's own city. It is not favorable to take up arms. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

  3. Line 1 of 62 Success in Small Matters

    Failing to recognize your limits and trying to go beyond what you can do right now will bring you loss.

    The bird in flight: so, misfortune.

  4. Line 2 of 62 Success in Small Matters

    Recognizing your limitations right now and focusing on small achievements will bear fruit.

    Passes the grandfather and meets the grandmother; does not reach the lord and meets the minister. No fault.

  5. Line 5 of 62 Success in Small Matters

    Your humility will help you find people who will act on your behalf.

    Thick clouds, yet no rain, out of our western fields. The prince shoots a corded arrow and takes what is in the cave.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Heaven
Above Thunder Lake

The way back

43 Overflowing → 62 Success in Small Matters
lines 1, 2, and 5

Other transformations of Success in Small Matters

Make your own cast

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

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