Hexagram 10 履 - Lǚ / TREADING
䷉
Trigrams#
- Above Qián, the Creative, Heaven
- Below Duì, the Joyous, Lake
Treading signifies the correct way of conducting oneself. Heaven, the father, resides above, while the lake, the youngest daughter, rests below. This arrangement demonstrates the natural distinction between high and low, which forms the foundation of orderly social conduct. Treading literally means “stepping upon something.” The small, Joyous element treads upon the great, Strong element. The direction of movement for both primary trigrams is upward. That the strong treads upon the weak is a natural order, which is why the Book of Changes does not explicitly mention it. The weak treading upon the strong carries no danger because it occurs in good humor and without presumption, ensuring the strong is not provoked and tolerates it with good nature.
The Judgment#
Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.
The situation is inherently difficult, as the strongest and the weakest stand in direct proximity. The weak follows behind the strong and interacts with it. Yet the strong tolerates this and inflicts no harm, because the contact is cheerful and non-threatening.
In human terms, this represents dealing with wild, unapproachable people. In such cases, one achieves their purpose by adhering to proper decorum and good manners. Maintaining pleasant, courteous conduct ensures success, even when facing highly irritable individuals.
The Image#
Heaven above, the lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man distinguishes between high and low and thereby establishes the resolve of the people.
Heaven and the lake exhibit a difference in height that arises naturally from their very essence, completely free from envy. Similarly, differences in rank must exist within human society; absolute equality is impossible to achieve. However, the crucial factor is that social distinctions must not be arbitrary or unjust, as that format inevitably leads to envy and class struggle. Conversely, when external rank corresponds to inner worth, and merit serves as the measure of social standing, people find contentment and society achieves harmony.
The Moving Lines#
Nine at the beginning means:#
Simple treading. Progress without blame.
One is in a position not yet bound by the obligations of social intercourse. By conducting oneself with simplicity, one remains free from societal constraints and can peacefully follow the inclinations of the heart, making no demands on others and remaining content. Here, treading does not mean standing still, but rather moving forward. Although one starts from a very humble baseline, they possess the inner strength that guarantees progress. Contentment with simplicity allows one to advance without blame. If someone cannot find peace in modest circumstances, they become restless and ambitious, seeking advancement merely to escape poverty and low status rather than to achieve something meaningful. Once such a person attains their goal, they inevitably become arrogant and extravagant, making their progress blameworthy. The capable person, by contrast, remains content in simple conduct; they wish to advance in order to accomplish something of value. When they reach their goal, they perform meaningful work, and all is well.
Nine in the second place means:#
Treading a smooth, level path. The perseverance of a quiet man brings good fortune.
This portrays the situation of a solitary sage. He stays far from the hustle and bustle of the world, seeks nothing, desires nothing from anyone, and refuses to be dazzled by alluring goals. True to himself, he walks a level road, passing through life unassailed. Because he is self-sufficient and does not challenge fate, he remains free from complications.
Six in the third place means:#
A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can tread. He treads upon the tail of the tiger. It bites the man. Misfortune! Thus does a warrior act for his great prince.
A one-eyed man can see, but not clearly enough for true vision. A lame man can tread, but not well enough to make real progress. If someone with such deficiencies nevertheless considers himself strong and rushes into danger, he brings misfortune upon himself by attempting something far beyond his strength. This reckless way of plunging ahead without regard for one’s own limitations might, at most, be acceptable for a warrior fighting on behalf of his great prince.
Nine in the fourth place means:#
He treads upon the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection lead ultimately to good fortune.
This denotes a dangerous enterprise. The inner strength required to endure it is present, but it combines externally with a hesitant caution. This stands in sharp contrast to the previous line, which is inwardly weak but aggressively pushes forward. Consequently, ultimate success is assured, allowing one to achieve their will and overcome danger by stepping forward carefully.
Nine in the fifth place means:#
Resolute treading. Perseverance with awareness of danger.
This refers to the ruler of the entire hexagram. One finds oneself compelled to act with absolute resolution. However, one must remain acutely aware of the danger inherent in such a decisive stance, especially if one persists in it. Only by maintaining this awareness of danger can success be achieved.
Nine at the top means:#
Look at your conduct and examine the favorable signs. If everything is complete, supreme good fortune comes.
The work is completed. If one wishes to know whether good fortune will follow, one must look back at their past conduct and its consequences. If the effects are good, good fortune is certain. No one truly knows themselves completely; it is only by looking at the consequences of one’s actions and the fruits of one’s labor that one can gauge what to expect.
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