Hexagram 10: Treading [Conduct] (Lü)

Hexagram

10. Treading [Conduct] · Lü

Structure of the sign

Treading signifies, on the one hand, the right way of conducting oneself. Above is heaven, the father; below is the lake, the youngest daughter. This shows the difference between high and low, upon which quiet order and correct conduct in society are founded. Treading literally means 'stepping upon something.' The small, joyous element treads upon the great, strong element. The direction of movement of both primary trigrams is upward. That the strong treads upon the weak is taken as a matter of course and is not specifically mentioned in the Book of Changes. That the weak treads upon the strong is not dangerous because it takes place in good cheer, without presumption, so that the strong is not provoked and good-naturedly tolerates it.

The Judgment

Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success. The situation is really difficult. The strongest and the weakest are directly joined together. The weak walks behind the strong and busies itself with it. But the strong tolerates it and does it no harm, for the contact is joyous and not offensive. The human situation is that one has to deal with wild, intractable people. In this case, one attains one's purpose if one adheres to good manners in one's conduct. Courteous, pleasant forms of conduct lead to success even in dealing with irritable people.

The Image

Heaven above, the lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby strengthens the minds of the people. Heaven and the lake exhibit a difference in level that has arisen naturally from their very essence and is therefore unclouded by any envy. In the same way, differences of rank must exist among mankind. A universal equality is impossible to realize. What matters, however, is that differences of rank in human society are not arbitrary and unjust; for in that case envy and class struggle are the inevitable consequence. If, on the other hand, external differences of rank correspond to inner justification, and inner worthiness is the measure of external rank, then people rest content therewith, and society is brought into order.

The lines

Line 1

Simple conduct. Progress without blame. One is in a situation where one is not yet bound by the obligations of social intercourse. If one conducts oneself simply, one remains free of societal obligations and can quietly follow the inclinations of one's own heart, since one makes no demands upon others, but is content. Treading does not mean standing still, but advancing. One is in a very humble beginning position. Yet one possesses the inner strength that guarantees progress. If one rests content with simplicity, one can advance without blame. If someone cannot find peace in modest circumstances, he is eager to push forward and is ambitious and restless, because through his conduct he wishes to escape lowliness and poverty, not because he wishes to achieve something of worth. When he has attained his goal, he will surely become arrogant and luxurious. Therefore his progress is attended by blame. The capable man, by contrast, is content with simple conduct. He wishes to advance in order to achieve something. When he has attained his goal, he accomplishes something, and all is well.

Line 2

Treading on a smooth, level path. The perseverance of a quiet man brings good fortune. Here the situation of a solitary sage is depicted. He keeps aloof from the bustle of the world, seeks nothing, asks nothing of anyone, and does not allow himself to be dazzled by alluring goals. He remains true to himself and thus walks through life unmolested on a level path. Because he is frugal and does not challenge fate, he remains free from entanglements. ±

Line 3

A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can tread. He treads upon the tiger's tail. It bites the man. Misfortune! Thus does a warrior act for his great prince. A one-eyed man can indeed see, but it does not suffice for clear vision. A lame man can indeed tread, but it does not suffice for making progress. If someone with such weaknesses nevertheless considers himself strong and accordingly exposes himself to danger, he draws misfortune upon himself. For he undertakes something that exceeds his strength. This reckless manner of rushing forward without regard to one's own powers may at most be permissible for a warrior fighting on behalf of his great prince.

Line 4

He treads upon the tiger's tail. Caution and circumspection lead at last to good fortune. A dangerous enterprise is at hand. The inner strength to endure it is present. But this inner strength is outwardly joined with hesitant caution, in contrast to the preceding line, which is inwardly weak but presses forward outwardly. Thus ultimate success is assured, consisting in achieving one's will, namely, overcoming the danger by stepping onward.

Line 5▶ ruling line

Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger. This concerns the ruler of the entire hexagram. One finds oneself obliged to act with resolution. In doing so, however, one must remain conscious of the danger connected with such resolute conduct, especially if one persists in it. Only awareness of danger makes success possible.

Line 6

Look upon your conduct and examine the favorable signs. If everything is complete, supreme good fortune comes. The work is finished. If one wishes to know whether good fortune will follow, one must look back upon one's conduct and upon the consequences it has produced. If the effects are good, good fortune is certain. No one knows himself. Only from the consequences of one's actions, from the fruits of one's works, can one gauge what is to be expected.

Below ☱ Lake (Dui)

Direction: W
Element: Lake · Metal
Attributes: Joyous · Cheerful · Open · Contented · Abundant
Family: Youngest daughter

Above ☰ Heaven (Kien)

Direction: NW
Element: Heaven · Metal
Attributes: Creative · Strong · Untiring · Luminous
Family: Father