ChineseStudy

10. Lü | Treading

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English translation

Lü / Treading: Treading is like stepping near a tiger's tail: do not provoke it, and the way is open and successful.

This is the judgment of Lü (Treading), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

First Nine: plain and simple treading, going forward, no blame.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.

Second Nine: treading a level and open path, for the secluded person, constancy is auspicious.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Third Six: the one-eyed person can still see, the lame person can still tread. treading on the tiger's tail, it bites the person, misfortune. a warrior acts for a great ruler.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “misfortune” marks serious risk.

Fourth Nine: treading on the tiger's tail, fearful and cautious, auspicious in the end.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Fifth Nine: decisive treading, uprightness still requires vigilance.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “danger” calls for vigilance.

Top Nine: looking back over one's steps, examining the signs of good fortune, its return is greatly auspicious.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

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