I Ching · No.58 · Tui / The Joyous, Lake

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Translation

Tui Hexagram. Prevalence. An auspicious divination. The Great Image says: This hexagram consists of two Tui trigrams stacked together, and Tui represents a lake; two lakes connected, their waters mingling and flowing together, is the image of Tui. Reflecting on this image, the superior man joins with friends for discussion and practice, and expands his knowledge.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The lake moistens all things, bringing double joy; harmony and happiness among peers, while firmly maintaining the correct path. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have many celebratory events and harmonious relationships, but they must firmly adhere to the correct path, otherwise disaster will strike.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Supported by friends; cherish it well.
• Wealth 财运: With someone helping, it is not difficult to make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Living together with friends; marriage brought about by a friend.
• Health 身体: Can be treated by a familiar physician.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is average; by winning the hearts of the people, good fortune will naturally follow, though it is unfavorable in the years of three and six.
• Business 营商: With assistance from others, profits can be made.
• Fame & Career 功名: Can be achieved by relying on the strength of friends.
• Warfare 战征: Stationing troops in marshy lake areas; it is advisable for the two rear camps to coordinate their attacks to achieve victory.
• Marriage 婚姻: It must be an old friend or acquaintance.
• Household 家宅: The residence faces the lake water; it is suitable to live together with friends.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to invite familiar doctors for a joint consultation in order to make a full recovery.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to ask friends for a fair arbitration; there is no need to go to litigation.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigram (Lake below, Lake above). The lake represents water. Two lakes connected, two waters mingling, the upper and lower in harmony, united as one, with mutual help from friends, bringing joy and happiness. Tui means pleasure. Both sharing the virtue of strength and firmness inside, while presenting a gentle and yielding posture outside, firmly walking the correct path, and guiding the people upward.

• Overall Image 大象: Two lakes lean on each other, with the moon reflected in the waters; a beautiful scene and a wonderful time, bringing delight.
• Fortune 运势: Grief and joy are intermingled, with both praise and ridicule; if one adheres to the correct path, matters can still turn out reasonably well.
• Career 事业: Due to being skilled in interpersonal relationships, one can unite others and obtain assistance. Consequently, all undertakings go very smoothly. As long as one adheres to the way of the golden mean and correctness, maintains pure motives, distinguishes right from wrong, and interacts with others with sincerity and joy, the future will be bright.
• Business 经商: Very profitable. Support can be obtained through multiple channels. However, during times of success, one must never forget the principle of caution, especially guarding against being deceived by petty people.
• Seeking Fame 求名: As long as one's purpose is pure and one possesses genuine talent and learning, enthusiastic help and financial support will surely be received from many quarters to achieve one's goal.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Both sides are satisfied, and there is a high probability of success. However, one must absolutely avoid being too stubborn in one's own opinions.
• Decision 决策: Intelligent, cheerful, flexible in mind, kind-hearted, enthusiastic in serving the public, and endowed with organizational talent. Therefore, one can transition into leadership positions relatively smoothly. However, one must adhere to the principles of correctness and the mean, act impartially, refrain from flattering superiors, and even more so avoid oppressing the populace. Always maintain the virtue of humility, and particularly avoid overconfidence, otherwise one can easily be surrounded by evil people.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows the pleasure of (inward) harmony. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: Harmonious joy, auspicious. The Great Image says: The auspiciousness of harmonious joy is because there is no suspicion in interpersonal relations.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will find interpersonal relationships harmonious and all plans successful.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Harmony is precious; all things are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Autumn fruits can be harvested; naturally profitable.
• Household 家宅: Joyous and harmonious; the household is well-ordered.
• Health 身体: Relaxed mind and free of worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: When the fortune is at the first line, harmony is precious, and all affairs yield auspiciousness.
• Warfare 战征: The army's victory lies in harmony; citizens and soldiers are all pleased; there is a sign of surrendering without a fight.
• Business 营商: Tui represents mid-autumn, when all fruits ripen, which is the beautiful and natural benefit of heaven and earth. Doing business and obtaining this line is auspicious and entirely favorable.
• Fame & Career 功名: Obtaining an atmosphere of auspicious harmony; good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: Enjoying the happiness of a peaceful household.
• Household 家宅: A household of harmony; auspicious.
• Travelers 行人: The traveler will return immediately, without a doubt.
• Litigation 讼事: Can be settled immediately.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kun (Oppression/Exhaustion). Success. Divination regarding matters of princes and nobles is auspicious, without misfortune. When encountering this hexagram in divination, a person with guilt cannot clear themselves through explanations. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The upper trigram is Dui (Lake), and the lower trigram is Kan (Water). Water seeps beneath the lake bed, drying up the lake; this is the image of Oppression. Observing this, the superior person encourages himself in times of hardship, becoming stronger through adversity, and sacrifices his life to carry out his long-cherished ambitions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No water in the lake, experiencing oppression and exhaustion; myriad things do not grow, cultivate virtue and quietly maintain one's position. Inauspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram fall into difficult straits, with nothing going as desired. It is advisable to resolutely adhere to the correct path and wait for the right opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Dui above). Dui is Yin, representing the Lake, signifying joy; Kan is Yang, representing Water, signifying danger. Lake over Water is Oppression. Falling into adversity, it is difficult to display one's talents; yet by resolutely maintaining the correct path and remaining content in oneself, one will surely achieve success and break free from the predicament.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows the pleasure arising from (inward) sincerity. There will be good fortune. Occasion for repentance will disappear.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: Treating others with sincerity, auspicious, no regrets. The Great Image says: Treating others with sincerity and being treated in return with enthusiasm is auspicious because there is mutual trust.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line are in the midst of good fortune, and all matters are smooth and harmonious. For officials, there is a sign of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Superiors and subordinates share the same mind; naturally auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Basing operations on trust will yield long-term and far-reaching success.
• Household 家宅: Becoming wealthy together with neighbors; Yin and Yang are in harmony.
• Health 身体: Suspected illness is resolved.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune achieves correctness and the mean, and the hearts of the people share mutual trust; hence there is good fortune and no regret.
• Warfare 战征: Superiors and subordinates are of one mind, and orders are strictly carried out; there is a determination that cannot be shaken even in an ordinary man; invincible in battle, auspicious.
• Business 营商: Although trade aims for profit, it must be based on trust; with trust, there is no mutual deception, and commerce can then proceed smoothly.
• Marriage 婚姻: The second and fifth lines share mutual trust, which is the pairing of Yin and Yang; auspicious.
• Household 家宅: “Holding in trust and mutual connection, sharing wealth with neighbors” means being able to join forces with neighbors to achieve prosperity.
• Fame & Career 功名: Line two of Zhong Fu says, “I have a good goblet, and I will share it with you”; there is the good fortune of father and son being promoted together.
• Illness 疾病: The illness was caused by doubt; now that mutual trust is established, the calamity and regret will naturally disappear.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sui hexagram. Supreme success, perseverance is fruitful, no misfortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder, and the upper trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Thunder enters into the middle of the marsh, the earth is cold and frozen, and all things lie dormant; this is the image of Following. In view of this image, the gentleman, modeling himself after the thunder that falls silent in accordance with the heavenly seasons, rests and works according to the times, and goes indoors to rest towards evening.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Complying and adapting, maintaining steadfastness and self-control; following opportunities, one must not be dictatorial. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should follow the general trend, and their affairs can succeed. Communicating and exchanging more with others in all matters can bring both fame and fortune. One must not obstinately cling to one's own views; those who are arbitrary and dictatorial will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Dui above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Dui represents joy. Movement followed by joy is 'Following' (Sui). Following refers to mutual compliance: oneself following external things, and external things following oneself, with communication between them. Following must adapt to the time and comply with the situation, having principles and conditions, and taking steadfastness as a prerequisite.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject bringing round himself whatever can give pleasure. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Three: Finding pleasure in making others submit carries hidden danger. The Great Image says: Because one's strength is small while the responsibility is heavy, and one's virtue is thin while desires are many, one's actions are bound to be inappropriate.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. Those who obtain this line will face unexpected disasters, and in extreme cases, lose the way and perish. For officials, there is the worry of listening to slander and suffering humiliation.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Scrambling and scheming; even if successful, it brings humiliation.
• Wealth 财运: A merchant without trust; the future is worrisome.
• Household 家宅: Discard falsehood and preserve sincerity; first together, then separated.
• Health 身体: Beware of external disasters.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Character is base, focusing solely on flattering smiles to seek favor; one cannot avoid being despised by others.
• Business 营商: In the conduct of commerce, it is indeed proper to invite others with harmony and joy; however, if pleasure is not pursued in accordance with the Way, leading to mutual deception, the correctness of the business path is lost.
• Fame & Career 功名: Striving and competing to obtain it; though temporarily glorious, failure is certain.
• Warfare 战征: It amounts only to gathering a rabble of soldiers, which cannot hold out for long.
• Marriage 婚姻: A sign of starting together but separating in the end.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is caused by external evil influences, an ominous sign; since line three and four are adjacent, recovery can be expected as early as one day or as late as one month.
• Litigation 讼事: An external disaster; ominous.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kuai Hexagram. In the royal court, music is played and dances are performed. Someone cries out: 'An enemy is invading.' An order comes from the town: 'It is unfavorable to launch an attack; we must stand ready in strict defense.' Encountering this hexagram in divination, it is auspicious to travel abroad. The Image says: The upper trigram is Dui, which is the Marsh; the lower trigram is Qian, which is Heaven. This shows the waters of the marsh rising up to heaven, watering the earth; this is the image of the Kuai Hexagram. Seeing this image, the gentleman bestows benefits upon those below, not daring to claim credit or be arrogant, and takes this as a warning.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Dispel and decide, one must be resolute and firm; auspicious at first but ominous at last, be cautious and self-respecting. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, their great fortune is passing, and difficulties are approaching. They should heighten vigilance and be prudent in words and deeds.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Dui above). Qian is Heaven and Strength; Dui is Marsh and Joy. The moisture of the marsh rises, bursting forth as rain, falling upon the earth to nourish all things. Five yang lines displace one yin line; displacement is not difficult, resoluteness (the meaning of displacement/breakthrough) is enough. Therefore, it is named Kuai, which means decision/breakthrough.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject deliberating about what to seek his pleasure in, and not at rest. He borders on what would be injurious, but there will be cause for joy.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: Negotiations to restore relationships are not yet complete, but conflicts show a tendency to ease. The Great Image says: The joy of Nine Four refers to celebratory events to come.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will make profits in commerce or increase household members. For the unfavorable, there may be illness and failure to achieve goals. For officials, they will hold key positions and have prospects for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Struggles are nearing completion; deliberate carefully whether to proceed or halt.
• Wealth 财运: Matters of worry can be resolved through consultation.
• Household 家宅: Frequent illnesses and unrest; marriage is accomplished only after repeated match-making efforts.
• Health 身体: Restless mind; a happy event will ease the heart.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is not yet stable; adversity brings worry while smooth paths bring joy; all affairs should be conducted with careful deliberation.
• Business 营商: “The fourth line is full of fear”; doing business away from home will surely bring worries and anxiety; only by discussing matters can joy be attained.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fame and official rank must come from hardships and trials to achieve great success.
• Marriage 婚姻: Due to temporary doubt and fear, it is not completed yet; it must wait for the matchmakers to mediate repeatedly, and will finally result in a joyful union.
• Household 家宅: Currently there is unrest in the residence, causing many illnesses and difficulties. Tui represents autumn; one must wait until autumn for peace and joy.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is caused by mental anxiety; upon encountering a happy event, the heart will widen with joy and heal itself.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Chieh (Limitation). Success. If one finds limitation painful, its good or bad fortune cannot be divined. The Image says: The lower trigram is Dui, which is the lake; the upper trigram is Kan, which is water. Water fills the lake, so one must build high dikes; this is the image of Chieh. The superior man, observing this image, establishes policy systems and confirms ethical principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Maintain self-control and moderation, stop at the right point; assess the timing and situation, know how to adapt. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is advisable to keep to one's place and avoid insatiable greed. Everything must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui is the lake, Kan is water. The lake contains water, but its flow is limited; if there is too much, it will overflow. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Chieh (Limitation). The Chieh hexagram is the opposite of the Huan hexagram; they are mutual inverse hexagrams, used in conjunction. Only when heaven and earth have measure can they remain ever-new; only when the state has regulation can it remain stable; only when the individual has self-control can they achieve perfection.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject trusting in one who would injure him. The situation is perilous.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: Sincerity towards others is maintained even when suffering harm. The Great Image says: By adhering to the path of correctness and the mean, one will surely turn bad luck into good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. Those who obtain this line have poor fortune and many unexpected disasters. Officials will suffer slander from petty people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Be mindful of danger in times of peace; one will always prosper.
• Wealth 财运: Although there are small losses, confidence remains.
• Household 家宅: Sincerity is paramount.
• Health 身体: Skin disease; prompt treatment will bring recovery.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The position is correct and the fortune is at its peak; peak conditions bring decay, so precaution is especially needed. By constantly guarding against decay, prosperity can be maintained indefinitely.
• Warfare 战征: “Sincerity toward decay” means that in a place of life and death, the troops are of one mind, grateful and courageous without feeling decayed. This can truly be called unity of will is an impregnable stronghold, invincible everywhere.
• Business 营商: “Bo” means peeling or erosion; although there is erosion, maintaining deep trust without doubt will surely bring great profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Being content with one's fate; though there is decay, prosperity is assured.
• Illness 疾病: Illness affecting the skin; prompt treatment brings recovery.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwei Mei indicates that (under the conditions which it denotes) action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Marrying Maiden. Divining this hexagram, setting forth on an expedition is dangerous. Nothing is advantageous. The Image says: The hexagram of the Marrying Maiden: the lower trigram is Dui, which represents the marsh; the upper trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Thus, thunder rolls over the marsh, and the thunder moves the water, which metaphorically represents the mutual attraction of man and woman falling in love and forming a union. This is the image of the Marrying Maiden hexagram. In observing this image, the superior man perceives the success and failure of marriage in the long course of married life.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Violating the natural order, one's path will come to an end; examine the principles of things clearly, and bring an end to wild delusions. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, in times of difficulty, acting contrary to the natural order will bring continuous disasters. It is advisable to clearly examine principles, cultivate the mind and character, and eliminate wild delusions.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (lower Dui and upper Zhen). Zhen is movement and the eldest son; Dui is joy and the youngest daughter. With the youngest daughter following the eldest son, feelings of affection arise, initiating the movement toward marriage and the image of marrying off a daughter, hence it is called the Marrying Maiden (Kuei Mei).

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows the pleasure of its subject in leading and attracting others.

Line Text (Translation)

Upper Six: Guiding everyone to live in harmony. The Great Image says: Although the intention is good, it may not succeed completely.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will face setbacks in plans; guard carefully against worries.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Relying on others for support; average fortune.
• Wealth 财运: With someone's guidance, minor profits can be made.
• Household 家宅: Internal worries and external troubles; seems not to be a formal betrothal.
• Health 身体: Only by dispelling internal negative influences can one be preserved.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The top line is the end of the hexagram, and the fortune has reached its limit; one must rely on others to lead and support them to move forward; neither auspicious nor ominous, just average.
• Fame & Career 功名: Although recommended by others, it is already too late.
• Business 营商: With others' guidance, transactions can then be made; the top line is outside the hexagram, representing overseas business. “Not yet brilliant” means unable to make great profits.
• Warfare 战征: Tui corresponds to the exact west; “luring Tui” means leading each other into the west. This represents leading troops westward to merge with the third line, but at the top line, the timing is already late, and it is feared that success may not be achieved.
• Illness 疾病: If internal evils can be drawn out to the exterior, recovery can be expected.
• Household 家宅: The residence is pure Yin, forming a body with the third line; guard against the trouble of internal and external dragging.
• Marriage 婚姻: The line images are all yielding; it is feared to be formed through seduction, rather than the proper rites of husband and wife.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Lî suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Treading on the tail of a tiger, the tiger does not bite the person, auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Dui, representing Lake. Heaven above and Lake below; the noble and the humble are clearly distinguished. This is the image of the Lü hexagram. The superior person observes this image, thereby distinguishing upper and lower, noble and humble, causing the people to follow rules and behave properly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Uneasy steps, difficulties and dangers; remain humble and self-respecting, serve the master with respect and caution. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a difficult period with many setbacks and obstacles. It is not suitable to advance hastily in anything; one must proceed step-by-step and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below and Qian above). Qian represents Heaven and Dui represents Lake. Heaven is used as a metaphor for the ruler, and Lake for the people. The original text: 'Treading on the tail of the tiger, it does not bite the person.' Therefore, the outcome is auspicious. The ruler is above and the people are below, each in their proper place. The yielding Dui meets the firm Qian, making the treading perilous. Lü means practice or conduct, and the meaning of the hexagram is to forge ahead down-to-earth.

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.