遯 Dùn · Retreat

The judgment

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

The image

(The trigram representing) the sky and below it that for a mountain form Thun. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps small men at a distance, not by showing that he hates them, but by his own dignified gravity.

The lines, bottom to top

1. Bottom line, broken

   The first line, divided, shows a retiring tail. The position is perilous. No movement in any direction should be made.

2. Second line, broken

   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.

3. Third line, solid

   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.

4. Fourth line, solid

   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.

5. Fifth line, solid

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

6. Top line, solid

   The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect.