I Ching Hexagram 58 · Dui

Hexagram Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 58
• Hexagram Name: Tui
• Hexagram Image: Tui over Tui (Joined Lakes)
• Binary Representation: 011011
• Hexagram Quality: A moderately auspicious hexagram, governing joy, communication, relationships, and harmony, but always rooted in correctness

• Primary Hexagram: Tui Hexagram (Hexagram 58)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Chia Jen / The Family (Hexagram 37)
• Inverse Hexagram: Ken / Keeping Still (Hexagram 52)
• Complementary Hexagram: Sun / The Gentle (Hexagram 57)

The Tui Hexagram takes the image of two lakes joined together, symbolizing communication, mutual responsiveness, and joy between people. When the waters of the lakes are connected, feeling can flow freely; but without restraint, excessive pleasure gives rise to sorrow. For this reason, this hexagram especially emphasizes “harmony without drifting” and “joy with steadfast correctness.”

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Tui. Success. Advantageous. Perseverance.

The Tui Hexagram governs joy and harmony. Overall, it indicates smooth progress and favorable conditions for interaction and cooperation. But all joy must be grounded in the right way and in sincerity; otherwise, when pleasure reaches its extreme, change and trouble arise.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Joined lakes: Tui. The noble one uses this to discuss and practice with friends.

Two lakes reflecting one another, with their waters and vapors in exchange, form the image of “joined lakes.” Seeing this, the noble one values the way of friendship, using communication, discussion, and mutual sharpening to broaden understanding and advance together.

• Symbolism: joy, communication, human relationships, persuasion, and consensus
• Structure: Tui above and Tui below; inner and outer are both joyful, answering one another
• Key ideas: joy without excess, harmony without conformity, moving others through sincerity

The core philosophy of the Tui Hexagram is this: joy rooted in correctness, communication rooted in sincerity. True “joy” is not sensory indulgence, but the harmonious happiness that arises when hearts connect and values align.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Nine: Harmonious joy. Good fortune.

   Treating others with calmness and sincerity easily wins trust and support. It symbolizes a good beginning in human relationships.

2. Nine in the Second Place: Sincere joy. Good fortune. Regret vanishes.

   When friendships are formed through sincerity, joy naturally endures. One who keeps faith will in the end have no regrets.

3. Six in the Third Place: Coming joy. Misfortune.

   Actively seeking pleasure or catering to others while losing one's proper place easily invites trouble. A warning against flattery and ingratiation.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: Deliberating over joy, not yet at peace; by firmly resisting what is harmful, there is cause for joy.

   Repeatedly weighing a relationship and being able to reject improper temptation can instead turn misfortune into good fortune.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place: Trusting in what strips away. There is danger.

   One in a high position who becomes absorbed in pleasure is easily eroded by petty people. This warns one to remain alert in times of ease; safety lies in holding to correctness.

6. Top Six: Drawn into joy.

   Using seductive pleasure to draw others in may seem lively on the surface, but in truth it is not honorable, and in the end calls for self-reflection.

Guidance for Real Life

Key themes and overall guidance:

Fortune often brings joy, celebration, and support; relationships flow smoothly, but hidden concerns can arise through lowered vigilance, so one must remain centered and upright.

Career and finances:

Favorable for cooperation, negotiation, teaching, and work related to communication or dissemination. Make good use of eloquence and approachability, but do not sacrifice principles merely to please others.

Financial luck often comes through personal connections and partnership. Keep faith, value the long term, and avoid opportunism, clever shortcuts, and excessive indulgence.

Love and relationships:

Affection is warm and mutual appreciation is strong, but emotional reactivity and willfulness should be avoided. Only sincere communication can make the bond last.

Physical and emotional state:

Mood has a significant effect on health. Desires should be moderated, and one should avoid harming the body through overindulgence.

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 as your first priority.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of the Tui Hexagram lies in “joy without excess” and “harmony without losing oneself.” True joy arises from sincerity and the right path, not from currying favor; true harmony is built on principles and proper measure, not on limitless accommodation. If one can communicate with sincerity and restrain desire through upright virtue, then joy can endure, relationships can last, and the nourishing influence of life may quietly benefit all things.