ChineseStudy

17. Sui | Following

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English translation

Sui / Following: great success and smooth progressit is beneficial to remain upright, no blame.

This is the judgment of Sui (Following), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.

First Nine: The position of the official is changing; steadfastness is auspicious. Going out to engage others brings credit.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Second Six: To bind oneself to the lesser is to lose the worthy.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Third Six: To bind the worthy one loses the lesser one. Through following there is gain, and steadiness is proper.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time.

Fourth Nine: Following brings gain, but steadfastness is dangerous. If one is sincere and clear in the right path, what blame can there be?

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence; “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “misfortune” marks serious risk.

Fifth Nine: Faith in what is right is excellent; good fortune follows.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Top Six: First restrain and bind, then follow and hold firm; then the ruler can achieve success toward the western frontier.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

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