Hexagram 33 · Dùn (遯) · Strategic Retreat
- Upper trigram
- 乾 Heaven
- Lower trigram
- 艮 Mountain
This hexagram is about timely withdrawal. When circumstances are unfavorable and confrontation would only drain you, stepping back is the wise choice. Retreat is not defeat: it preserves your strength and dignity while you wait for a better moment.
Editorial summaryJudgment
遯：亨。小利貞。
Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.
Line 1
初六：遯尾，厲，勿用有攸往。
The first line, divided, shows a retiring tail. The position is perilous. No movement in any direction should be made.
Line 2
六二：執之用黃牛之革，莫之勝說。
The second line, divided, shows its subject holding (his purpose) fast as if by a (thong made from the) hide of a yellow ox, which cannot be broken.
Line 3
九三：係遯，有疾厲，畜臣妾吉。
The third line, undivided, shows one retiring but bound,—to his distress and peril. (If he were to deal with his binders as in) nourishing a servant or concubine, it would be fortunate for him.
Line 4
九四：好遯君子吉，小人否。
The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring notwithstanding his likings. In a superior man this will lead to good fortune; a small man cannot attain to this.
Line 5
九五：嘉遯，貞吉。
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in an admirable way. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Line 6
上九：肥遯，无不利。
The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect.
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