Hexagram 13, Tóng Rén (Fellowship): Line 3
同人卦九三 · 天火同人 · 中文版
九三：伏戎于莽，升其高陵，三岁不兴。
The line (Legge)
The third NINE, undivided, (shows its subject) with his arms hidden in the thick grass, and at the top of a high mound. (But) for three years he makes no demonstration.
Small Image commentary
'He hides his arms in the thick grass:' - because of the strength of his opponent. 'For three years he makes no demonstration:' - how can he do anything?
象曰：伏戎于莽，敌刚也。三岁不兴，安行也。
In plain words
Hiding troops in the undergrowth, climbing a high hill to look out; for three years it does not rise up. The third line is strong but not central and wants to seize the second line, but the fifth line, its rival, is strong, so it dares not strike. The Small Image says the troops hide because the enemy is strong, and asks how not rising for three years could ever get anywhere.
Applying it to your situation
If you are quietly competing with someone but never act, this line suggests asking whether the contest is worth it. Is what you are guarding against a real opponent, or your own suspicion?
Position
A solid (yang) line in the third place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is in its proper place. Its partner is line 6; both are yang, so they do not respond.
If this line moves
With this line moving alone, Tóng Rén changes into Hexagram 25 Wú Wàng (Innocence). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·同人之无妄.
The hexagram
Hexagram 13 Tóng Rén (Fellowship). The Judgment: Tong Ren (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.
Previous: Line 2 · Next: Line 4
English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.