Hexagram 33, Dùn (Retreat): Line 5

遁卦九五 · 天山遁 · 中文版

九五:嘉遁,贞吉。

The line (Legge)

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

Small Image commentary

'He retires in an admirable way, and with firm correctness there will be good fortune:' - this is due to the rectitude of his purpose.

象曰:嘉遁贞吉,以正志也。

In plain words

A fine retreat; steadfastness brings good fortune. The fifth line is central and correct and corresponds to the second, yet it withdraws at the right time and in the right way, calmly and reasonably. The Small Image says this keeps its aims upright.

Applying it to your situation

If you have decided to step back, this line suggests doing it calmly and gracefully. What kind of exit would be good for everyone?

Position

A solid (yang) line in the fifth place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is in its proper place. It holds the centre of the upper trigram. Its partner is line 2; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Dùn changes into Hexagram 56 Lǚ (The Wanderer). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·遁之旅.

The hexagram

Hexagram 33 Dùn (Retreat). The Judgment: Dun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

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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.

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