#33
Retreat
遯
— Dùn
Upper trigram: Heaven (Qián) · Lower trigram: Mountain (Gèn)
Overall meaning
Hexagram Retreat symbolizes timely withdrawal. Upper trigram is Heaven, lower is Mountain — mountain beneath heaven, while yin is rising strongly. This is the time when the wise withdraw to preserve their forces and await a better moment.
Judgment text (Thoán từ)
Retreat: success. In small matters, perseverance furthers. Knowing how to retreat is to win.
Line texts (6 lines)
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1
First Six: At the tail in retreat — danger — do not have anywhere to go. Retreating but caught at the rear — danger to act.
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2
Second Six: He holds him fast with yellow oxhide — no one can tear him loose. Hold the safe position firmly, cannot be pulled from refuge.
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3
Third Nine: A halted retreat — illness and danger — care for servants and concubines brings good fortune. Bound during retreat, hardship — but maintain essentials.
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4
Fourth Nine: Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior person, downfall to the inferior. Retreating nobly is honored — only the superior person can do this.
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5
Fifth Nine: Friendly retreat — perseverance brings good fortune. Withdrawing serenely and nobly — good fortune.
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6
Top Nine: Cheerful retreat — everything serves to further. Retreat from the highest position, free and abundant — all is favorable.
Applications by topic
- Marriage
- Not the time to advance. Step back and give space to think. Sometimes distance helps appreciate one another.
- Career
- Knowing when to retreat is wise. Avoid toxic environments. Conceal your strength, await a better moment to re-emerge.
- Wealth
- Withdraw from risky investments. Preserve capital in unfavorable times. Wait for the market to stabilize before acting.
- Health
- Rest and recovery are priority. Don't push too hard. Withdraw to fully restore health.
- Lawsuit
- Withdraw from disputes if position is bad. Wait for a better moment to continue. Sometimes reconciliation and retreat are the smartest strategy.
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