10 · 履

Hexagram 10, 履. Original Chinese judgment: 履虎尾，不咥人，亨。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

履虎尾，不咥人，亨。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初九：素履，往无咎。
  2. 九二：履道坦坦，幽人貞吉。
  3. 六三：眇能視，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人，凶。武人為于大君。
  4. 九四：履虎尾，愬愬，終吉。
  5. 九五：夬履，貞厲。
  6. 上九：視履考祥，其旋元吉。

Tuan commentary

履，柔履剛也。說而應乎乾，是以履虎尾，不咥人，亨。剛中正，履帝位而不疚，光明也。

维基文库 · 周易 · 履

Great Image commentary

上天下澤，履；君子以辨上下，定民志。

Small Images · bottom to top

  1. 素履之往，獨行願也。
  2. 幽人貞吉，中不自亂也。
  3. 眇能視，不足以有明也。跛能履，不足以與行也。咥人之凶，位不當也。武人為于大君，志剛也。
  4. 愬愬終吉，志行也。
  5. 夬履貞厲，位正當也。
  6. 元吉在上，大有慶也。

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese

Working translation of this site’s Chinese summaries based on traditional sources, not verbatim quotations from the commentator or a translation of the classical text. Native-language review is incomplete. Traditional imagery is not medical, legal or other professional advice.

朱熹《周易本義》

維基文庫 · 周易本義（四庫全書本）卷一

Judgment exegesis

Zhu Xi explains the Treading hexagram through joyful harmony following firm strength, like treading on a tiger’s tail without injury. The key is occupying danger in a fitting manner without being harmed.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

  1. Firm yang at the beginning of treading has not yet been changed by external things and acts according to its ordinary role. Plain, unadorned conduct can be without blame.
  2. Firm strength at the center below has no proper correspondence above, and its road is level. Quiet independence with correctness leaves the heart undisturbed and is auspicious.
  3. The third yin line is weak but aims at strength, neither centered nor correct. Treading on Qian firmness in this way brings injury; forcing affairs with insufficient ability cannot last.
  4. The fourth yang line is neither centered nor correct and lies beside the firmness of the fifth line. Yet firmness in a yielding position can remain fearful and cautious, allowing an auspicious conclusion.
  5. Firm, centered correctness in the fifth yang line occupies the honored position and readily acts decisively without hesitation. Even correct action requires vigilance toward the danger of such firm resolve.
  6. At the end of treading, look back over the whole course of practice to examine its consequences. Complete conduct without deficiency is the condition for primal auspiciousness.

Plain-language reading

Working translation of this site’s Chinese editorial reading, not an edition of the classical text, a verbatim quotation from a commentator or a prediction. Native-language review is not yet complete.

Judgment introduction

The Treading hexagram concerns walking and putting principles into practice, like stepping beside a tiger’s tail without being hurt. In powerful or dangerous circumstances, conduct should be fitting, careful and aware of one’s position.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

  1. Proceed simply according to one’s ordinary responsibilities, without letting outward temptations change the original intention; blame can be avoided.
  2. The path is level and the mind quiet. Correctness is maintained even alone, so the reading calls this auspicious.
  3. Acting beyond one’s ability is like advancing despite insufficient sight or footing, and can turn harm back upon oneself.
  4. Near a powerful position, remain wary and careful rather than relying on force; a safe outcome is possible.
  5. In the leading position, act decisively but guard against excessive rigidity. Even a proper direction does not justify overlooking risk.
  6. At the end, review the whole course of practice and its gains and losses. Only sustained completeness warrants the description of great auspiciousness.

Read the source