Hexagram 17 · Suí (随) · Following

隨：元亨。利貞。无咎。

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.

初九：官有渝，貞吉。出門交有功。

The first line, undivided, shows us one changing the object of his pursuit; but if he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune. Going beyond (his own) gate to find associates, he will achieve merit.

六二：係小子，失丈夫。

The second line, divided, shows us one who cleaves to the little boy, and lets go the man of age and experience.

六三：係丈夫，失小子。隨，有求得利，居貞。

The third line, divided, shows us one who cleaves to the man of age and experience, and lets go the little boy. Such following will get what it seeks; but it will be advantageous to adhere to what is firm and correct.

九四：隨有獲，貞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。

The fourth line, undivided, shows us one followed and obtaining (adherents). Though he be firm and correct, there will be evil. If he be sincere (however) in his course, and make that evident, into what error will he fall?

九五：孚于嘉，吉。

The fifth line, undivided, shows us (the ruler) sincere in (fostering all) that is excellent. There will be good fortune.

上六：拘係之，乃從維之。王用亨于西山。

The topmost line, divided, shows us (that sincerity) firmly held and clung to, yea, and bound fast. (We see) the king with it presenting his offerings on the western mountain.