I Ching · No.33 · TUN / Retreat

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Translation

Tun Hexagram. Success. A small advantage in perseverance. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, and Qian is Heaven; the lower trigram is Gen, and Gen is Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; Heaven is high and Mountain is distant—this is the image of Retreat. The superior man, observing this image, does not deal with inferior men by returning evil for evil, but adopts a strict attitude, resigning from office, content to withdraw and keep the inferior men at a distance.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Escape and retreat; what reaches its peak must decline. Strictly restrain speech and deeds; wait for an opportunity to rise again. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance. Defensive retreat can preserve oneself; acting rashly will bring disaster. One should be prudent in words and deeds, waiting for the right moment to act.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is best to retreat; there is good fortune for the superior man.
• Wealth 财运: Prices fluctuate, far apart from each other.
• Household 家宅: Beware of spiritual disturbances; marriage is unsuitable.
• Health 身体: Seek refuge in a propitious place.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Beware that in advancing there is a mountain ahead, where enemy troops lie in ambush, leading to defeat.
• Business 营商: There is a fear that for a time, price fluctuations will vary greatly and be far apart.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is suitable to retreat into obscurity and unsuitable to seek an audience. Good fortune for the superior man, not so for the inferior man.
• Household 家宅: This house is near a mountain with a vast and open space in front; beware of yin disturbances.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is caused by spiritual disturbances; it is best to keep a respectful distance, and moving to another residence brings good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: The yin and yang of lines two and five originally correspond, but their inclinations differ; declining the match brings good fortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Gen represents Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; as the mountain rises high, Heaven retreats. Yin grows while Yang wanes; the inferior men gain influence, and the superior man retreats into retirement to preserve himself through wisdom, waiting for the opportunity to save the world.

• Overall Image 大象: The mountain is below Heaven; yin gradually grows while yang gradually wanes. It is advisable to retreat a long distance.
• Fortune 运势: The way of the inferior man is waxing, and the way of the superior man is waning. In all matters, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance; in times of adversity, preserve one's personal integrity, bide one's time, and cultivate oneself.
• Career 事业: Times are unfavorable; one should consider retreating and avoid associating with dishonest people. However, this is not a passive escape, but rather to preserve strength, summarize experiences, seize opportunities, and wait for the right moment to emerge. Avoid acting rashly, which leads to unnecessary losses. Meanwhile, do not be tempted by immediate small gains or positions.
• Business 经商: The market has entered a state of decline, and business conditions are poor. One must never stubbornly pursue gains or invest blindly; instead, remain calm and composed, uphold business ethics, stay away from inferior men and unscrupulous merchants, preserve one's strength, and wait for market conditions to improve before seeking further development.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Preserve oneself through wisdom, content to dwell in retirement. Devote full effort to summarizing and improving, preparing for a comeback.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Do not rush to resolve it, and never act rashly or force it. When the time is ripe, one must approach it correctly with a pure attitude.
• Decision 决策: Being in a period of decline, the inferior men have their way. Blind actions will surely bring disadvantage. Although there is no need to return evil for evil, one must not associate with them, losing the great for the small. Weigh the circumstances, bide one's time, preserve strength, and depart resolutely without hesitation. Focus on developing personal strength, endure patiently, and await the opportunity. As long as one can hold fast to the correct way and maintain central correctness, one will surely emerge when the time is ripe to achieve great things.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows a retiring tail. The position is perilous. No movement in any direction should be made.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: If the superior men all retreat, the state will be in danger. Nothing can be achieved. The Image says: Retreating and hiding, yet still not out of danger. If one can persevere in bitter struggle and find a way to win, what disaster can there be?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, it is suitable to keep to one's place and mind one's own business, which brings no worry. Officials should choose the right moment to retire.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Stay hidden and keep a low profile; there will be no difficulty.
• Wealth 财运: Sell off everything to avoid disaster.
• Household 家宅: Early relocation is advisable; marriage does not harmonize.
• Health 身体: Walk carefully.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: This refers to ambushing troops. An ambush should be deeply hidden and unrevealed, so that the enemy cannot detect any trace. If one hides the head but exposes the tail, it will surely lead to danger and harm; it is better not to go.
• Business 营商: In selling goods, one should hurry and not lag behind, and it is best to sell off everything from beginning to end to avoid disaster.
• Fame & Career 功名: Searing the tail at the Dragon Gate, good fortune.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to relocate quickly; lagging behind brings disaster.
• Marriage 婚姻: Retreat (Tun) means to avoid and keep a distance; the marriage does not harmonize.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Fellowship with Men Hexagram. Gathering the crowd in the outskirts, about to undertake a great enterprise, auspicious. Beneficial to cross great rivers, beneficial for the divination of a superior man. The Image says: In the hexagram of Fellowship with Men, the upper trigram is Qian (Heaven, representing the ruler), and the lower trigram is Li (Fire, representing the subjects). Upper Qian and lower Li symbolize the ruler communicating downwards and the subjects communicating upwards, with the will of ruler and subject in harmony. This is the image of Fellowship with Men. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on fire, illuminating heaven and earth, lighting up the obscure and hidden, thereby analyzing the classes of things and distinguishing their circumstances.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Humanity seeks affinity, fellowship with others; everything sought is obtained, and all is to one's liking. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have good fortune and smooth progress. It is even better to cooperate and work with others; with unity between above and below, plans will succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Li below, Qian above). Qian is Heaven, the ruler; Li is Fire, the subject citizens. Heaven above and Fire below; the nature of fire is to rise, harmonizing with Heaven. Above and below are in harmony, helping each other in the same boat, interpersonal relations are harmonious, and the world is in Great Unity.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject holding (his purpose) fast as if by a (thong made from the) hide of a yellow ox, which cannot be broken.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Holding him fast with yellow ox-hide thongs, so that he cannot escape. The Image says: Binding with yellow ox-hide thongs shows a firm will.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, there are disputes in the family; keeping to one's ordinary portion and duty brings no worry; farmers will have the joy of acquiring cattle.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although talented, success is hard to hope for.
• Wealth 财运: Hold on to the principal; it is too late to sell.
• Household 家宅: Relocation is advantageous; breaking off the engagement is not easy.
• Health 身体: Exercise with perseverance.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: When the armies flee and scatter, to be able to stand firm and defend alone is praiseworthy.
• Business 营商: Since the price of goods is rising gradually, holding on to the original stock, yet unable to sell.
• Fame & Career 功名: Displaying virtues to await employment, like beautiful jade waiting to be sold—this is a sign of fame and office. Yet 'none can escape it' means success is hard to hope for.
• Household 家宅: The yin energy of this house is gradually growing, unfavorable for the residents; they all think of relocating, but even if they want to sell, it will be difficult for a time.
• Marriage 婚姻: This marriage is already finalized; if one wants to regret and back out later, it will be extremely difficult for the matchmaker.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kou Hexagram. Dreaming of an injured woman. In divination, encountering this hexagram is unfavorable for marrying a woman. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, which is heaven; the lower trigram is Xun, which is wind. Thus, wind blowing under heaven is the image of the Kou Hexagram. Recognizing this, the ruler emulates the wind blowing over all things to disseminate teachings throughout the world and make proclamations to the four quarters.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin grows and Yang declines, great fortune wanes in the middle; many obstructions, exercise caution to guard against them. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, and all affairs are unfavorable. One should act with caution, and pay special attention to amorous disputes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Qian above). Qian is heaven, and Xun is wind. There is wind under heaven, blowing across the earth; Yin and Yang intermingle, and all things flourish. The Kou Hexagram is the opposite of the Guai Hexagram, forming an inversed pair. Kou means to mate or meet, where Yin and Yang encounter each other. However, with five Yang lines and one Yin line, they cannot coexist for long.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows one retiring but bound,--to his distress and peril. (If he were to deal with his binders as in) nourishing a servant or concubine, it would be fortunate for him.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: A halted retreat. There is distress and danger, like being afflicted with a serious illness. In this situation, keeping servants and maids may bring good fortune. The Image says: The danger of a halted retreat is like the exhaustion of being plagued by illness. Thus, 'keeping servants and maids brings good fortune' means temporarily nursing one's illness and healing wounds, and one must not act rashly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, there are many disasters and difficulties; the good and kind will receive the support of their wives, or increase their household. Officials should retire at the height of their career.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retire at the height of one's career to ensure no harm.
• Wealth 财运: Sell when it is time to sell; holding for too long will surely bring loss.
• Household 家宅: Relocate swiftly; marrying a wife is unfavorable.
• Health 身体: Indulging in desires harms the body.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The advance and retreat of military formations both have discipline: drums command advance and gongs command retreat, which requires maximum promptness. Any delay will surely lead to a great defeat; be cautious.
• Business 营商: When goods should be sold off, one should not hesitate or be swayed by personal feelings, lest it ruin major affairs.
• Officialdom 仕途: When treacherous people hold government power, one should retire at the height of one's career to avoid illness and harm.
• Household 家宅: This house is unfavorable, chiefly causing many illnesses and adversities; relocate quickly. If one delays and does not leave, there is fear of a major disaster.
• Marriage 婚姻: Marrying a principal wife is unfavorable; marrying a concubine brings good fortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Pi. Obstructed by petty men, this is an unfavorable divination for the superior man, and undertakings will turn from prosperity to decline. The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are choked and cannot grow freely; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, when national politics are obstructed, should contemplate living in seclusion without taking office, practicing thrift to avoid disaster, and not taking pride in wealth and salary.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The great departs and the small arrives, closed and obstructed; when obstruction reaches its extreme, peace arrives; cultivate virtue to avoid disaster. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is an image of all things being closed and obstructed, upper and lower levels not in harmony, everything going against one's wishes. In all matters, one should endure and wait for the fortune to turn for the better before taking action.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Qian above). Its structure is opposite to that of the Tai hexagram. The Yang energy rises while the Yin energy descends; Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are blocked. They are 'inverse hexagrams' (Zong Gua) to each other, indicating that extreme peace leads to obstruction, and extreme obstruction leads to peace, serving as cause and effect for each other.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring notwithstanding his likings. In a superior man this will lead to good fortune; a small man cannot attain to this.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Voluntary retreat. Good fortune for the superior man, and failure for the inferior man. The Image says: The superior man does not set his mind on wealth and office, finding pleasure in retreat; the inferior man sets his mind on wealth and office, and is unwilling to withdraw.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, although there are gains, be cautious of suffering harm due to inferior men. Officials should request retirement to avoid danger.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The superior man rectifies his name, while the inferior man usurps a reputation.
• Wealth 财运: Selling goods brings profit; there is no need to hesitate.
• Household 家宅: Dwelling in retirement is suitable; worry of divorce.
• Health 身体: Adults can be cured; children are in danger.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Line four is the beginning of the Qian trigram. Qian represents strength, knowing only how to advance and not to retreat. Or, there is someone in the army plotting harm, so one pretends to retreat to avoid it. Retreating also brings good fortune.
• Business 营商: Merchants view buying as advancing and selling as retreating. Line four says 'voluntary retreat', meaning knowing that selling goods brings profit.
• Officialdom 仕途: The line text 'voluntary retreat' suggests that the person must have no interest in fame or office. Yet, reputation differs: one might usurp a false reputation for a time, or leave a grand legacy for a thousand autumns; this is where the superior man and the inferior man part ways. The diviner should examine themselves.
• Illness 疾病: Line four is part of the Qian body. The line says 'voluntary retreat.' Yang retreats and enters yin, so the illness is critical. Yet turning danger into safety is also the image of Retreat; it is expected that a great man can be cured, while an inferior man will find it difficult.
• Marriage 婚姻: Beware of the worry of divorce later.
• Litigation 讼事: As the common saying goes, 'Of the thirty-six stratagems, fleeing is the best,' which refers to 'voluntary retreat'.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kien suggests to us the marriage of a young lady, and the good fortune (attending it). There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Jian (Gradual Progress) Hexagram. A woman's marriage is good. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Xun, representing wood. Wood planted on the mountain grows continuously; this is the image of Jian. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the mountain nurturing the forest, thereby dwelling in virtue and taking on the social responsibility of refining customs.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Progressing in an orderly sequence, accumulating the small to achieve the great; gradual progress leads to benefit, while haste leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, luck will gradually open up. All matters should progress step-by-step, then planning will succeed. Impatience is not advised; haste leads to failure.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Xun above). Gen represents mountain, and Xun represents wood. There are trees on the mountain growing gradually, and the mountain rises accordingly. This is a process of gradual progress, hence called Jian. Jian means progress, advancing gradually without haste.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in an admirable way. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Admirable retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune. The Image says: Admirable retreat; it is auspicious because of the correct response. This is because his mind is upright and his character is noble.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune. For those who obtain this line, they will be close to the noble and gain much profit. Officials will either be promoted or retire after achieving success.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retiring after achieving success is praiseworthy.
• Wealth 财运: Adapting appropriately to changes can still bring profit.
• Household 家宅: Noble style to be admired; marriage between like-minded individuals.
• Health 身体: Avoid yin evils.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Right when the enemy's force is strong, to be able to retreat secretly and return, preserving the entire army, is also praiseworthy.
• Business 营商: When goods arrive at a place and the current price is unfavorable, redirecting them to another place to make a profit can be called adapting to circumstances without losing correctness, hence good fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: Line five is the ruler's position. Obtaining line five means fame and office will surely be prominent, with a position close to the prime minister. Yi Yin said, 'A minister does not dwell in successful achievement for the sake of favor and profit,' referring to one who can retire after achieving success, hence good fortune.
• Household 家宅: This house must be like the cottage of Zhuge Liang in Nanyang, or the residence of Magistrate Tao Yuanming in Lili; its noble style is worthy of admiration.
• Marriage 婚姻: Lines two and five originally correspond in yin and yang. There is intent to discuss marriage, but line five does not consent due to differing wills. Seeking another match brings good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: It is an ailment of yin evil entanglement; retreating and avoiding it secretly can bring good fortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lü intimates that (in the condition which it denotes) there may be some little attainment and progress. If the stranger or traveller be firm and correct as he ought to be, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Small success. Divining on traveling is auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain. Fire on the mountain, illuminating the hidden depths: this is the image of the Wanderer. The superior man, in accordance with this, is clear and cautious in administering justice and executing penalties, neither daring to abuse punishments nor delaying the cases.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The journey is destitute, drifting and unstable; small hopes can be achieved, but grand ambitions are hard to realize. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters undergo many changes, as if being in a foreign land. Small matters can succeed, but great matters are hard to accomplish; it is advisable to adhere strictly to routine.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Li above). This hexagram is the opposite of the Feng hexagram (Abundance), serving as its inversed hexagram. Fire burns on the mountain, burning without stopping, the flames constantly spreading forward, like a traveler on the road, hurrying on their journey. Hence it is named Lü (The Wanderer).

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Cheerful retreat. Everything is advantageous. The Image says: The line text of Nine at the top speaks of 'cheerful retreat, everything is advantageous,' showing that the person is good at observing the situation and retiring at the height of their career.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune. For those who obtain this line, business plans will yield profit, making the family wealthy and the business prosperous. Officials will be content with their lot, knowing the mandate of Heaven, and retire to a leisurely post.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Content with one's lot and knowing Heaven's mandate; peaceably live out one's remaining years.
• Wealth 财运: What others discard, I take; retreating can bring profit.
• Household 家宅: Beneficial for seeking wealth; worry of elopement.
• Health 身体: Overweight and suffering from exhaustion.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: In warfare, one should advance rather than retreat; retreating will surely be unfavorable. Yet the line says, 'cheerful retreat, everything is advantageous.' Could this refer to King Tai fleeing the Di barbarians and moving to Mount Qi?
• Business 营商: Merchants seeking profit often compete in crowds. If one alone can take what others discard, taking retreat as advance, then retreating will instead yield rich profits; hence the line says 'cheerful retreat'.
• Fame & Career 功名: The person must not enrich their mouth with fine food, but rather enrich their character with morality and justice; hence it is said, 'cheerful retreat, everything is advantageous.'
• Household 家宅: This house has a very high status and the family is wealthy, but it is beneficial for seeking wealth, not for seeking fame.
• Illness 疾病: Obese people have deficient qi. Retreat means shedding, suggesting a fear of collapse or exhaustion.
• Marriage 婚姻: There is a fear that the girl will covet the sons of wealthy families and elope.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsien Hexagram. Prevalence. A favorable oracle. Marrying a maiden brings good fortune. The Symbolism says: The lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Dui, representing lake. A lake on the mountain; the mountain air and the water's breath interact and influence each other. This is the image of Hsien. In accordance with this, the superior man, taking pattern from the deep valleys and the vast lakes, keeps his mind open and humble, receiving instruction from others with humility.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mutual attraction of the two sexes, responding according to the righteous path; things resound when struck, recognizing the times and understanding the moment of opportunity. Small Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should treat others with humility, which will bring good luck and success in undertakings. However, do not let improper passions disturb your mind and lead you astray.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Dui above). Gen is mountain; the lake is water. Dui (yielding) is on top, and Gen (firm) is below. The water seeps downward; the yielding is above and the firm is below, interacting and influencing each other. Influence leads to completion.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.