33 · 遯

Hexagram 33, 遯. Original Chinese judgment: 亨，小利貞。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

亨，小利貞。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初六：遯尾，厲，勿用有攸往。
  2. 六二：執之用黃牛之革，莫之勝說。
  3. 九三：係遯，有疾厲，畜臣妾吉。
  4. 九四：好遯，君子吉，小人否。
  5. 九五：嘉遯，貞吉。
  6. 上九：肥遯，无不利。

Tuan commentary

遯亨，遯而亨也。剛當位而應，與時行也。小利貞，浸而長也。遯之時義大矣哉！

维基文库 · 周易 · 遯

Great Image commentary

天下有山，遯；君子以遠小人，不惡而嚴。

Small Images · bottom to top

  1. 遯尾之厲，不往何災也。
  2. 執用黃牛，固志也。
  3. 系遯之厲，有疾憊也。畜臣妾吉，不可大事也。
  4. 君子好遯，小人否也。
  5. 嘉遯貞吉，以正志也。
  6. 肥遯，无不利；无所疑也。

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）卷二

Judgment exegesis

Zhu Xi explains Dun through two yin lines growing and yang needing to withdraw. Withdrawal does not exhaust the way: retreat judged according to the time still allows unhindered progress. As yin grows and circumstances become difficult, maintain correctness and self-possession.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

  1. The first yin line is at the rear of the retreat, already behind and in danger. Do not go further; remain concealed and wait quietly to avoid harm.
  2. The second yin line maintains centered responsiveness. Its resolve to withdraw is firm as yellow oxhide, impossible to undo; the person consulting should likewise make their resolve firm.
  3. The third yang line is close to the two yin lines below, wishing to retreat but still entangled, exhausted and endangered. Only small, nearby affairs are manageable, not great undertakings.
  4. Though attached through correspondence with the first yin line, the fourth yang line uses Qian’s vigor to relinquish what it cherishes and retreat. The exemplary person can exercise this restraint; the petty person cannot.
  5. Firm, centered correctness in the fifth yang line corresponds with yielding, centered correctness in the second, forming fitting, admirable withdrawal. Upright purpose and correctness are auspicious.
  6. Firm yang in the top line is outside the hexagram, without ties or corresponding support below. The furthest retreat is spacious and at ease, free of doubt or obstruction, so nothing is unfavorable.

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

Dun describes withdrawal as unfavorable forces grow. Retreat is neither exhaustion of the way nor abandonment of principle, but a deliberate response to the times that maintains distance. Remaining correct amid difficulty can make even withdrawal a way through.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

  1. At the rear of those withdrawing, one has fallen behind and faces danger. Do not proceed further; wait quietly to avoid harm.
  2. The resolve to withdraw is as firm as yellow oxhide. Maintain yielding strength at the center, without being shaken by outside forces.
  3. Wishing to retreat but still tied to nearby relationships brings exhaustion. Only small, immediate matters are suitable now.
  4. Despite affection, one can let go of what is cherished and withdraw. The capacity for self-restraint distinguishes the exemplary person from the petty person.
  5. Firm, centered correctness corresponds with yielding, centered correctness: this is a fitting and admirable withdrawal. Maintaining correctness is auspicious.
  6. Withdrawing beyond the hexagram without ties leaves the mind spacious and free of doubt or obstruction; thus nothing is unfavorable.

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