Following

Upper trigram: Lake (joyous, sharing) · Lower trigram: Thunder (arousing, stirring)

Judgment

The lake above thunder: the joyful follows the stirring. This hexagram speaks of the wisdom of following and adapting; to follow another well, you must first be worth following yourself. Adapting to the spirit of the times, choosing what is right and staying honest is the principle of this period. That is why it matters to ask whether what you follow is truly worth following.

Image

Thunder in the middle of the lake. As evening comes, the noble-minded retire to rest, pausing at day’s end to refresh their strength.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Understanding shifts, and following the change is good. Stepping out the door to meet others brings progress.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Clinging to the little child and losing the mature one. When forming closeness, paying attention to whom you turn to matters.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)Clinging to the mature one and letting the little go. At the end of following, you may find what you seek; staying with what is right is enough.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)The fruit of following: even the standing you gain can be hazardous. Sincere intent and openness keep you secure.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)Sincere devotion to what is excellent: read as favourable. Turning wholeheartedly to what is worthy is seen as fitting.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)Bound and held firmly: a sage is offered a sacred place on the mountain. Strong devotion comes from respect for what is right.