I Ching Hexagram 10 · Lü

Hexagram Position Information

• Sequence: Hexagram 10
• Name: Treading
• Image: ☰ ☱ (Heaven above, Lake below)
• Binary Representation: 111011
• Nature: Auspicious (act with caution; there is alarm but no danger)

• Primary Hexagram: Heaven over Lake: Treading (Hexagram 10)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Small Taming (Hexagram 9)
• Inverse Hexagram: Modesty (Hexagram 15)
• Reverse Hexagram: The Family (Hexagram 37)

The Hexagram Treading symbolizes "acting with caution and proceeding in accordance with propriety," emphasizing careful, deliberate progress step by step.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Treading. Treading on the tiger's tail, it does not bite the man. Success.

Step on the tiger's tail, and the tiger does not bite. Auspicious. It means that by acting cautiously and responding with care, danger can be turned into good fortune.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Heaven above and Lake below: Treading. The noble person thereby distinguishes high and low, and sets the people's hearts at rest.

Heaven is above, Lake is below; ruler above, people below, each secure in their proper place. The noble person should clearly distinguish ranks and roles, proceed according to propriety, and bring stability to the people.

• Symbolism: caution, propriety, careful advance step by step
• Structure: firmness and yielding meet; firmness encountering firmness calls for careful action
• Keywords: caution, uprightness, gradual progress

The Hexagram Treading emphasizes: acting with caution, proceeding in accordance with propriety, and advancing carefully step by step. Action may involve risk, but as long as one follows the right path and acts within one's capacity, danger can be turned into good fortune.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Nine: Simple treading. Going forward brings no blame.

   Hold fast to your original heart, follow your own resolve, and do not seek profit; then there will be no fault.

2. Nine in the Second Place: Treading a smooth, level path. The secluded person is steadfast and auspicious.

   Remain centered and upright; act quietly or keep a low profile. Even without position, there is still good fortune.

3. Six in the Third Place: One-eyed, yet thinking one can see; lame, yet thinking one can tread. Treading on the tiger's tail, it bites the man. Misfortune.

   Lacking ability yet forcing matters invites danger and misfortune. One should remain within one's proper bounds.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: Treading on the tiger's tail. Cautious and apprehensive. In the end, auspicious.

   Be cautious and alert; when meeting danger, know fear. In the end, things still turn out well.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place: Resolute treading. Perseverance brings danger.

   One in a high position must be cautious as well as decisive. Do not act rashly. Though there is risk, it need not become misfortune.

6. Top Nine: Examine your treading and reflect on the signs of good fortune. When you turn back, there is great good fortune.

   Reflect and take stock, act with care, and great good fortune will follow.

Guidance for Everyday Life

Keywords and overall guidance:

Alarm but no real danger; better to advance slowly than to rush forward.

Career and finances:

Things may not go smoothly at first. Proceed carefully and steadily, overcoming difficulties step by step.

Wait for the right moment to act. Do not be greedy for small gains. With steadiness and uprightness, wealth can be attained.

Love and relationships:

Contentment with a simple life brings harmony. Do not be swayed by the lure of wealth or profit.

Physical and emotional state:

Pay attention to walking, the feet, and the smooth circulation of blood and energy; keep the body stable and balanced.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please give priority to consulting a qualified medical or mental health professional.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of Treading lies in cautious uprightness, careful step-by-step advance, and proceeding in accordance with propriety.