ChineseStudy

33. Dun | Retreat

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English translation

Dun / Retreat: Retreat is successful; a little steadfastness is favorable.

This is the judgment of Dun (Retreat), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time.

First Six: Retreat from the tail position is perilous; one should not set out to act.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “danger” calls for vigilance.

Second Six: Hold firmly, bound with the hide of a yellow ox; no one can force or sway you.

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 Nine: Retreat is constrained and accompanied by illness and danger, yet keeping attendants is auspicious.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction; “danger” calls for vigilance.

Fourth Nine: A good retreat is proper; it is favorable for the superior person and not favorable for the petty one.

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

Fifth Nine: A commendable retreat; steadfastness is auspicious.

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; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Top Nine: A full retreat is propitious, with no disadvantage.

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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