I Ching Hexagram 17 · Sui Hexagram

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Sequence: Hexagram 17
• Hexagram Name: Following
• Hexagram Image: ☱ ☳ (Thunder beneath the Lake)
• Binary Representation: 011001
• Hexagram Nature: Auspicious; act in harmony with the situation, adapt to circumstances, and favor cooperation and communication, but do not act arbitrarily or dictatorially

• Primary Hexagram: Following (Hexagram 17)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Gradual Progress (Hexagram 53)
• Opposite Hexagram: Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Hexagram 18)
• Reversed Hexagram: Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Hexagram 18)

The Hexagram Following symbolizes complying with the times and adapting to circumstances. Thunder is within the lake: movement joined with joy, harmony in human affairs, and an advantage in cooperation and communication.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Following. Supreme success. Favorable in perseverance. No blame.

The Hexagram Following is auspicious and smooth in its course. In all things, move with the time; it is beneficial to hold to what is correct, accord with the season of Heaven, and act in line with the trend. Then there will be no misfortune.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Thunder in the midst of the lake: Following. Thus the noble one at nightfall goes indoors for rest and repose.

Above, Dui is the lake, joyful and yielding; below, Zhen is thunder, moving and vigorous. Thunder entering the lake shows people moving in accord with the time and responding to nature. In all things there should be measure; the noble one should settle in accordance with circumstances and rest at the proper time.

• Symbolism: moving with the situation, adapting to circumstances, cooperative harmony
• Structure: Zhen below, Dui above; movement with joy, compliance with order
• Keywords: timeliness, humility, cooperation, uprightness

The Hexagram Following emphasizes: moving with the situation, adapting to circumstances, and remaining upright and humble. The noble one should act in accord with Heaven, follow others with humility, and uphold what is right without being overbearing, thereby achieving steady and sound conduct in the world.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Nine: The standards are changing. Perseverance brings good fortune.

   Though in a low position, one follows the right path, and thus gains benefit in all things. Philosophical meaning: when in a humble place, comply and remain steadfast in the right way; only then can benefit be gained.

2. Six in the Second Place: If one clings to the boy, one loses the man.

   If one chooses to trust petty people lightly or places too much weight on the young and immature, one loses the proper path. Philosophical meaning: be cautious in associating with petty people; gains and losses cannot both be had.

3. Six in the Third Place: If one clings to the man, one loses the boy. In following, one finds what one seeks. Favorable to remain persevering.

   Letting go of the lesser to hold to the greater, and following the right path, brings benefit. Philosophical meaning: be clear in purpose, uphold what is right, and follow what is above; then benefit is gained.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: In following there is gain. Perseverance brings misfortune. If there is sincerity in the Way, and one acts with clarity, what blame can there be?

   Pursuing too much may bring danger, but by keeping faith and holding to the right way, peril can be turned into safety. Philosophical meaning: follow the group, uphold the proper way, and do not be excessively greedy.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place: Sincere toward what is good. Good fortune.

   Occupying the ruler's place, one remains faithful to the right way and extends sincerity broadly to the worthy, thereby attaining good fortune. Philosophical meaning: treat others with sincerity and follow what is good.

6. Top Six: He is bound fast and then held with cords. The king uses this to offer sacrifice on the Western Mountain.

   One is compelled to follow to the utmost, yet if one remains upright and follows the time, a good ending can still be achieved. Philosophical meaning: when following reaches its extreme, comply without violating righteousness, and be as careful at the end as at the beginning.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

Let the heart follow the current and move with the situation; helpful people may assist you, but avoid arbitrariness and wavering indecision.

Career and Finances:

Adapt to the trend, value relationships, and be good at cooperation; this can bring smooth development.

Act with the current and seek mutual benefit through cooperation; steady returns are possible, but take care not to lose the greater for the sake of the lesser.

Love and Relationships:

Romance and marriage tend to go smoothly, and both sides can be harmonious, but relationships should be handled with maturity; do not become so infatuated that your work is affected.

Physical and Mental State:

It is beneficial to rest and restore yourself, maintain balance in body and mind, and guard against physical or mental fatigue caused by careless indulgence.

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 the Hexagram Following lies in moving with the situation, adapting to circumstances, and remaining upright and humble; in dealing with the world, follow others without losing principle, and advance steadily, for only then can great accomplishment be achieved.