10. Treading (履 Lǚ)

Trigrams

Above

☰ Qián (Heaven)

Below

☱ Dui (Lake)

Symbolic Meaning

履 (Lǚ) represents careful treading or walking. It emphasizes caution in behavior and the need for sensitivity to the conditions around you. Success comes from walking the line between boldness and discretion.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"履虎尾，不咥人，亨。"
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, bù dié rén, hēng.)

"Treading on the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success."

This hexagram speaks of treading in a dangerous situation, like walking on a tiger's tail. However, if one proceeds cautiously and with respect, no harm will come, and success can be achieved.

Image

Original Chinese:
"上天下泽，履。君子以辨上下，定民志。"
(Shàng tiān xià zé, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ biàn shàng xià, dìng mín zhì.)

"Heaven above, the lake below: The image of Treading. The superior person discriminates between high and low, and strengthens the people’s resolve."

The image of heaven above and the lake below suggests a balance between different forces. The superior person walks carefully, recognizing the hierarchy of forces and ensuring that the people’s resolve is firm. It is about maintaining balance and discernment.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"素履，往无咎。"
(Sù lǚ, wǎng wú jiù.)

"Simple treading. Going forward brings no blame."

This line suggests that simple, honest behavior brings no harm. By walking humbly and avoiding excess, one can proceed without danger or blame.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"履道坦坦，幽人贞吉。"
(Lǚ dào tǎn tǎn, yōu rén zhēn jí.)

"Treading a smooth path. The recluse’s perseverance brings good fortune."

This line describes a smooth and straightforward path. It suggests that those who follow their inner principles (like the recluse) and stay true to themselves will experience good fortune. Perseverance in simplicity brings success.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"眇能视，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人，凶。武人为于大君。"
(Miǎo néng shì, bǒ néng lǚ, lǚ hǔ wěi, dié rén, xiōng. Wǔ rén wéi yú dà jūn.)

"A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can walk. Treading on the tail of the tiger, it bites the man. Misfortune. A warrior acts for the great lord."

This line warns of the dangers of overconfidence. A person with limitations (one-eyed or lame) may still be capable, but treading recklessly will result in harm. The image of treading on the tiger’s tail represents the risk of provoking danger. Overstepping boundaries can lead to misfortune.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"履虎尾，愬愬，终吉。"
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, sù sù, zhōng jí.)

"Treading on the tail of the tiger. Cautious and apprehensive. In the end, good fortune."

This line emphasizes the need for caution and awareness in dangerous situations. By remaining alert and not being reckless, one can avoid harm and achieve success. Careful treading leads to a positive outcome.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"夬履，贞厉。"
(Guài lǚ, zhēn lì.)

"Resolute treading. Perseverance brings danger."

This line suggests a bold and resolute approach, but warns that too much force or rigidity can lead to danger. Perseverance must be tempered with caution to avoid overstepping bounds and causing harm.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"视履考祥，其旋元吉。"
(Shì lǚ kǎo xiáng, qí xuán yuán jí.)

"Observing treading and inspecting the signs. It is favorable to turn around and reflect. Great good fortune."

This line speaks of taking time to reflect on one’s actions and behavior. By carefully observing the path and being willing to make adjustments, one can achieve great good fortune. Reflection and mindfulness lead to success.