I Ching Hexagram 3 · Tun

Hexagram Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 3
• Hexagram Name: Tun Hexagram
• Trigram Image: ☵ ☳ (Water above, Thunder below)
• Binary Representation: 010001
• Hexagram Quality: Lower-Lower Hexagram

• Primary Hexagram: Water-Thunder Tun
• Nuclear Hexagram: Kun as Earth
• Inverted Hexagram: Fire-Wind Ding
• Reversed Hexagram: Mountain-Water Meng

The Tun Hexagram symbolizes the hardships that accompany the birth of all things, making it the classic hexagram of “all beginnings are difficult.”

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Tun. Supreme success. Fruitful to be steadfast and upright. Do not act rashly. It is fruitful to have somewhere to go; fruitful to establish feudal lords.

The Tun Hexagram symbolizes the initial stage of creation. Although it holds the potential for growth, it is also filled with difficulties. At such a time, it is not wise to press forward recklessly. One should build foundations and gather support before real progress can be achieved.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Clouds and thunder: Tun. The noble person uses this to bring order and organization.

Clouds above and thunder below symbolize movement amid danger. Observing this, the noble person should set affairs in order and plan the whole situation, establishing structure within chaos.

• Symbolism: birth, difficulty, obstacles, new enterprise
• Characteristics: movement meeting danger, hardship first and success later
• Core spirit: patience, planning, receiving help

The Tun Hexagram reveals the generative pattern of all things in the universe: everything newly born must first pass through confusion and obstruction. True growth comes from perseverance, planning, and cooperation.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Nine: Hesitation and circling about. Fruitful to remain steadfast. Fruitful to establish feudal lords.

   One lingers and finds it hard to advance. It is best to hold firmly to what is right and avoid moving rashly, relying on the strength of others to establish a foundation.

2. Six in the Second Place: Tun as if stumbling, as if turning back. After ten years, then there is union.

   Caught in a dilemma, unable either to advance or retreat, one must wait for a long time. Hold fast to your convictions, and eventually a turning point will come.

3. Six in the Third Place: Chasing deer without a forester. The noble person lets it go.

   To press ahead without support is to court danger. When a decision must be made, let go of profit and avoid disaster.

4. Six in the Fourth Place: Mounted on a horse, turning back. Seeking marriage alliance; going brings good fortune.

   Move with the situation and actively seek assistance, and help from an influential person may be gained.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place: Hoarding its riches. Small steadfastness brings good fortune; great steadfastness brings misfortune.

   Resources are limited, so small matters can be undertaken, but larger ambitions should not be forced.

6. Top Six: Mounted on a horse, turning back. Tears of blood flow.

   Hardship has reached its extreme; one has lost all sense of how to advance or retreat. It is time to stop losses without delay.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

The current environment is difficult, and progress is slow. It is better to hold steady than to rush forward; proceed step by step, and when the time ripens, danger can ultimately be overcome.

Career and Finances:

In the early stage of a venture, resistance is strong. Careful planning and the support of others are necessary; do not fight alone.

Financial luck has not yet opened up. Manage matters steadily, and avoid rash speculation at all costs.

Love and Relationships:

Good things often take time. With patience and endurance, a good match can eventually be achieved.

Physical and Emotional State:

Preserve your vital energy, and guard against overexertion and mental stress.

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

One-Sentence Reminder

Every beginning is bound to be difficult; hold to what is right, build your strength, and with help, the way will open.