# Hexagram 33 · Dùn (遯) · Strategic Retreat

> **GuaCard #33 (Pause)**: Step back to protect your strength. / 退一步，保存你的力量。

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 summary_

## Judgment

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.

## Sources

- [周易 · 中文原文（Ruism Digital Library）](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/33#33.1)
- [James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East, XVI](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/33#33.1)