57. The Gentle (巽 Xùn)

Trigrams

Above

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Below

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Symbolic Meaning

巽 (Xùn) represents the gentle, penetrating influence of wind. This hexagram speaks of subtlety and gradual progress. Success comes from gentle persistence, allowing time for small influences to create great changes.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"巽，小亨，利有攸往，利見大人。"
(Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén.)

"The Gentle. Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person."

This hexagram advises taking small, gradual steps toward progress. Like the wind, influence is subtle but consistent. Success comes from moving forward carefully and seeking wise counsel when needed.

Image

Original Chinese:
"隨風，巽。君子以申命行事。"
(Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì.)

"Wind following wind: The image of The Gentle. The superior person uses clear orders and acts with authority."

The image of wind following wind represents a situation where influence builds gradually, reinforcing itself over time. The superior person, like the wind, acts with gentle authority and clear guidance, ensuring progress through consistency.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"進退，利武人之貞。"
(Jìn tuì, lì wǔ rén zhī zhēn.)

"Advancing and retreating. It is favorable for the warrior to persevere."

This line describes a situation of uncertainty, where one is unsure whether to advance or retreat. For the warrior, perseverance and staying true to principles lead to success. It advises careful consideration before acting.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"巽在床下，用史巫紛若，吉，无咎。"
(Xùn zài chuáng xià, yòng shǐ wū fēn ruò, jí, wú jiù.)

"The gentle influence is under the bed. Using divination brings clarity. Good fortune. No blame."

This line describes subtle influence or hidden forces at work, symbolized by the gentle influence under the bed. By seeking clarity through divination or wise counsel, good fortune follows, and there is no blame for careful actions.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"頻巽，吝。"
(Pín xùn, lìn.)

"Repeated gentleness brings regret."

This line warns that being overly gentle or yielding can lead to regret. While gentleness is valuable, it must be balanced with firmness. It advises avoiding excessive accommodation, as this may result in missed opportunities or weakness.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"悔亡，田獲三品。"
(Huǐ wáng, tián huò sān pǐn.)

"Regret disappears. Hunting brings three kinds of game."

This line describes a situation where previous mistakes or regrets are overcome. By taking action and moving forward, success follows, symbolized by the bounty from the hunt. It advises persistence and adaptability.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"貞吉，悔亡，無不利，無初有終，先庚三日，後庚三日，吉。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, wú bù lì, wú chū yǒu zhōng, xiān gēng sān rì, hòu gēng sān rì, jí.)

"Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears. Nothing is unfavorable. No beginning, but an end. Three days before and three days after the new moon, good fortune."

This line speaks of long-term success through perseverance and careful timing. Although progress may not be immediate, by staying consistent and planning ahead, good fortune follows. It advises patience and careful planning.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"巽在床下，喪其資斧，貞凶。"
(Xùn zài chuáng xià, sàng qí zī fǔ, zhēn xiōng.)

"The gentle influence is under the bed. Losing tools. Perseverance brings misfortune."

This line describes a situation where being too passive or hidden leads to the loss of important resources. It warns against inaction or being overly cautious, as this can result in misfortune. It advises balancing gentleness with assertiveness.