ChineseStudy

40. Xie | Release

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English translation

Xie / Release: It is favorable toward the southwest, and there is nowhere in particular to go. What returns is good; if there is a way to go, going early is good.

This is the judgment of Xie (Release), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

First Six: 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: In the field, three foxes are caught and a yellow arrow is obtained; steadfastness 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: To bear and ride together brings bandits near. Holding this out rigidly is blameless only in name, but regrettable in spirit.

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; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Fourth Nine: When the binding is released, the foot is eased and trust is restored when friends arrive.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Fifth Six: The gentleman has a release to work with, and this is auspicious. Sincerity is held even toward low-minded people.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Top Six: The lord shoots a hawk from above a high wall and captures it; there is no harm.

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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