Hexagram 17 - Following - SUI

Adhere to your beliefs, even when the road ahead may be challenging. Embrace the truth and let it guide your steps without trying to resist or alter its path.

Summary

Represents the idea of following a leader or a path. The key takeaways from the Judgment and image are that following a good leader will lead to success, but following a bad leader will lead to failure. It is essential to be cautious and choose wisely who to follow.

Interpretation

Hexagram 17, "Following," symbolises the importance of aligning oneself with the proper leader or authority figure to achieve success. This can be seen in the combination of the upper trigram of Heaven and the lower trigram of Thunder, representing a strong, stable, and just leader who commands respect and loyalty of those around them. The I Ching advises that to be successful; one must align oneself with this type of leader and follow their guidance.

However, it is also essential to choose wisely who to follow, as following a good leader will lead to success. The idea of the Mandate of Heaven, which states that a ruler holds the mandate from Heaven to rule, is also associated with this hexagram. The ruler is considered just and legitimate as long as they govern well, but the mandate will be withdrawn if they govern poorly.

In addition to aligning oneself with external authority figures, some interpretations also stress the importance of aligning with one's inner guidance and intuition. It is crucial to find a balance between independence and submission and to be aware of the influences and advice of those in positions of authority in one's life.

The I Ching also reminds us to be cautious and follow the good within ourselves to achieve the best results. We can achieve peace and success by aligning with the proper leader, following the natural order, and adhering to our inner truth. Leading others is a delicate art, and we should model ourselves after the Sage by proceeding gently, with balance, and staying free of ego and pretension.

Sage Advice

The key message is to cultivate humility and to be open to guidance from those with greater knowledge and experience. It's crucial to maintain inner peace and balance, even in challenging situations, and to be adaptable and flexible in navigating changes. The hexagram advises to let go of any desire for control or power and instead focus on serving and supporting a worthy leader or cause. It's crucial to be a good follower and to follow with integrity while also being aware of the leader's actions and ensuring they align with fairness and morality. By combining patience, humility, and a perspective that is not too attached to any specific outcome or goal, one can embody the essence of following as taught by the I Ching.

Line 1

Stay open to the perspectives of those you hope to lead. Listen carefully for truth, even from unexpected sources, and engage in dialogue without argument. Your openness and willingness to hear others out are vital to making an impact and achieving success. Keep your principles in mind, but don't shut yourself off from others or engage in divisive debates over trivial matters. Instead, maintain quiet confidence in the eventual emergence of truth, and be ready to recognise it when it arises. Your presence and inner awareness can be a powerful tools in communicating truth to others, even on an unconscious level.

Line 2

Do not be held captive by the whims of your inner child. Let go of petty desires and resist the urge to act impulsively. The path to greatness requires sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the principles of the Sage. Only by releasing what is inferior can you align with the highest good. This line of the hexagram reminds us to strive for excellence and avoid being held back by our insecurities and limitations. When we let go of the small boy within us, we can tap into our inner wisdom and intuition and follow a path that leads to personal growth and fulfilment. The I Ching reminds us that success cannot be achieved through shortcuts or by taking the easy road. Instead, we must be willing to sacrifice our desires and comforts to pursue what is right and good. This line of the hexagram is a call to action, urging us to take the necessary steps to align our lives with our highest values and aspirations. By letting go of what is inferior and embracing what is true and good, we can find the inner peace and contentment that comes from living a life of purpose and meaning.

Line 3

Encourages us to be mindful of the relationships and connections we form. When faced with a choice between a comfortable, superficial relationship that only serves to feed our ego, and a relationship based on respect and truth, it is essential to choose the latter. This may require us to let go of certain aspects of our self-image and comfort, but the long-term rewards of inner growth and self-esteem are well worth it. It is important to note that self-esteem cannot be artificially created. It results from making hard choices to follow the good, even when doing so may bring challenges and a sense of being alone. By embracing the truth and following the good, we build a strong foundation of self-esteem and inner growth. Therefore, the third line reminds us to stay true to our principles, even when it may require sacrifice. By doing so, we can cultivate genuine relationships based on respect and truth and find fulfilment and growth in the journey towards the good.

Line 4

When success comes from following the truth, avoiding becoming attached to it is essential. Maintain your inner peace and remain true to your values, even when others try to flatter you. Embrace sincerity and avoid the temptation to let ego demands control your actions. In this way, you maintain your independence and continue to follow the good with clarity and purpose. Additionally, be wary of those who may not be sincere in their dealings with you and trust in your guidance to navigate these situations.

Line 5

Adhere to your values, even if it may seem challenging, for the reward of good fortune awaits you. Keep your heart open to the guidance of the Sage, and be vigilant in your thoughts, actions, and relationships. Embrace the power of sincerity and let it guide you towards what is just and correct. With each step, you will be rewarded with the assent of the Cosmos, bringing you closer to the path of ultimate success and fulfilment.

Line 6

When we stay true to our values and principles, we are guided by the Higher Power to where we need to be. Our unwavering commitment to the truth brings forth the support of the Sage, and we receive the guidance and assistance we require. By being open and accessible to all, we can offer the same support to those in need. This creates a sense of inner peace and connection as we become vessels for something greater than ourselves. By remaining steadfast in our devotion to what is right and just, success is inevitable and the hands of the divine guide our journey.