Hexagram 10 - Treading (Conduct) - LÜ

Achieving sustained growth requires a steady, dedicated effort towards personal development and mastery. It's the result of an unwavering commitment to self-improvement and control.

Summary

Represents the idea of treading a path, with the top three lines representing Heaven and the bottom three representing earth. It is about finding the right balance between the two and staying true to one's inner sense of right and wrong. The judgment for this hexagram states, "Treading. Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success." This suggests that one should be aware of potential dangers and take care not to provoke them, but also to not be overly fearful as success is possible. The image associated with this hexagram is "Heaven within the mountain: The image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, thereby fortifying people's thinking."

Interpretation

Stepping on the tiger's tail refers to challenging fate by intervening in a situation in which one should remain uninvolved. The tiger symbolises fate, and if one acts with sincerity, simplicity, and innocence, fate won't cause harm. However, one will face the consequences if one takes a self-confident and obstinate approach.

Difficulties stem from long-standing negative attitudes and traditions, and we must correct our mistakes to resolve them. Trying to overcome them all at once is not advisable, as the situation will only improve as we gradually improve ourselves. The superior man distinguishes between high and low, meaning that they accept the discipline and patience needed to repair their relationships with others.

Lawsuits, which refer to inner conflicts with others, arise from adopting harsh, vindictive, or impatient attitudes. They occur when we don't truly let people go and instead seek to control their behaviour or attitudes. When we let go, healing begins, and a creative relationship becomes possible. Negative attitudes prevent us from fulfilling our fate to help those we are connected to. If we ignore the purpose of life and reject our duty to discipline ourselves, we won't find happiness. Our inner worth determines the external conditions of our life, and those who persevere in humility, sincerity, and gentleness will succeed even in challenging situations.

This hexagram serves as a guide for proper conduct in one's personal life, relationships, and society. It emphasises the importance of being rooted in the principles of a sage and avoiding aggressive actions while staying true to one's inner sense of morality. The hexagram is a reminder to be mindful of one's actions and impact on others and to follow a path of good conduct for spiritual and moral growth.

Sage Advice

Be mindful of one's actions and impact on others, strive for justice and fairness and maintain inner balance and harmony. The hexagram emphasises the importance of humility and avoiding arrogance, being aware of power dynamics and using one's influence responsibly, acknowledging limitations and being willing to seek help when needed. Following this sage advice can achieve success while maintaining integrity and inner peace and avoiding the pitfalls of ego and boasting.

Line 1

A return to simplicity is critical. Advancement is achieved without fault when we let go of selfish desires and maintain detachment. However, we must be cautious of the temptation to reclaim lost comfort, as it breeds ambition and restlessness. These negative emotions can drive us to force progress or make hasty conclusions, but true success comes from contentment with gradual progression. Rather than allowing frustration or disappointment to cloud our judgment, we must embrace the situation with a humble mindset, releasing any anger or discomfort associated with the time required for accomplishment.

Line 2

By embracing simplicity and avoiding internal conflicts, one can maintain a steady journey towards success. Accepting one's fate and refraining from questioning or challenging it leads to good fortune and contentment.

Line 3

Pride comes before a fall, and impulsive action can lead to misfortune. One must exercise caution and moderation, recognising their limitations and being humble. Actual progress is achieved when we let go of blind ambition and allow natural forces to take their course instead. The wise person embraces a modest demeanour, knowing that the more correct their position, the humbler they must become. Overconfidence and impulsiveness lead to defeat. To succeed, one must avoid biting off more than one can handle and remain humble and open to the natural course of events. The wisest course is to exercise moderation and trust in the greater forces at play.

Line 4

The tiger's tail is not a safe place to tread, but caution and thoughtful action lead to success. It's tempting to intervene and try to control the outcome, but such actions only bring peril. Instead, focus on your growth and enlightenment, and trust that the path will become more apparent and the dangers will be alleviated. With a steadfast dedication to your studies, good fortune will be your reward.

Line 5

Act firmly but with a gentle touch. Keep a firm grip on what is right, but avoid self-righteousness. Walk a fine line between being assertive and being obtrusive. Respect the dignity of others and allow them to discover their path. Maintain a humble and detached stance while making it clear where you stand. This balance of firmness and flexibility leads to success.

Line 6

By embracing humility and rejecting the urge to act impulsively, one can overcome difficulties and attain supreme good fortune. Your conduct is the key, so heed its signs and let the Higher Power guide you towards a better outcome. The path to success begins with acceptance and steadfast adherence to what is right.