The 33rd Hexagram of the I Ching: Dùn (Retreat)
The Symbolic Meaning of Dùn (Retreat) Hexagram
The Dùn hexagram is formed by the stacking of two different hexagrams: the lower trigram is Gèn (艮), and the upper trigram is Qián (乾). From the hexagram’s structure, Qián represents heaven, and Gèn represents a mountain. When there is a mountain under heaven, the mountain stands tall while the heavens retreat. This signifies a time when yin grows, and yang declines. The lower class gains power, and the superior individuals retreat into obscurity. The wise protect themselves and wait for an opportunity to save the world.
From another perspective, Gèn as the lower trigram indicates stillness, not withdrawal. It implies that the current situation is unfavorable and requires one to be cautious in their words and actions, and to foster harmonious relationships with others. In the context of Qián above, Gèn finds its path blocked by the powerful Qián, and trying to advance would lead to unnecessary struggles, where Gèn is no match for the strength of Qián and will clearly fail. Therefore, to preserve one’s strength, Gèn temporarily stops and adopts a strategy of retreat.
Interpretation from the “Sequence of Hexagrams”
After the Hexagram of Héng (恒), which represents permanence, the “Sequence of Hexagrams” states: “Things cannot remain in one place for too long; thus, they must move to Dùn (retreat). Dùn means to withdraw.” The concept here is that after maintaining persistence, the next step is to retreat in order to regain strength and prepare for future actions.
Interpretation from the “Duan Yi Tian Ji”
In the Dùn hexagram, with Qián above and Gèn below, it represents the second generation of the Qián hexagram. The yin line at the bottom is gradually growing, signaling the decline of the yang path, foreshadowing that bad things will arise. This represents the situation where petty individuals may begin to dominate over the noble ones, and at this time, the noble individuals retreat to avoid conflict.
Interpretation from the Northern Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong
Escape and retreat are key at this time, as prosperity will eventually lead to decline. Words and actions should be strictly controlled, waiting for the right opportunity to act again.
If this hexagram is drawn, it is advisable to retreat rather than advance. Retreating can preserve life and strength, while rash actions may lead to disaster. Careful speech and behavior are essential, waiting for the proper moment to take action.
Interpretation from Taiwan’s Renowned Scholar Fu Peirong
- Fortune: It is best to retreat, and the noble person will have favorable outcomes.
- Wealth: The market fluctuates, with significant differences in prices.
- Home: Be cautious of disturbances; marriage is not favorable at this time.
- Health: It is better to reside in a favorable place for health.
Traditional Interpretation of the Hexagram
This hexagram is formed by the combination of two different trigrams: Gèn below and Qián above. Qián represents heaven, and Gèn represents a mountain. When a mountain is under heaven, the mountain rises while the heavens retreat. The yin energy grows and the yang energy diminishes, leading to a situation where petty individuals gain power and noble individuals retreat into obscurity, acting wisely to protect themselves and waiting for the right opportunity to act.
Great Image: The image of the mountain beneath the sky signifies that the yin energy gradually increases while the yang energy diminishes, suggesting that it is time to retreat three steps.
Fortune: The path of the petty person rises, while the noble person’s path fades. In such times, retreat rather than advance is advised. When in hardship, focus on self-cultivation and personal integrity.
Career: If the situation is not favorable, consider retreating and avoiding involvement with unscrupulous people. This is not a form of passive escape, but rather a strategic move to preserve strength, learn from experience, and seize future opportunities. Avoid hasty actions that may lead to unnecessary losses. Resist the temptation of short-term gains.
Business: The market is in a downturn, with poor market conditions. Do not stubbornly pursue profits or blindly invest; instead, stay calm, maintain business ethics, stay away from petty people and dishonest merchants, preserve your strength, and wait for market conditions to improve before planning further development.
Seeking Fame: Protect yourself wisely and be willing to remain in the background. Focus on self-improvement and prepare for a comeback.
Romance and Marriage: Do not rush to resolve issues, and do not take forceful actions. When the time is right, approach relationships with sincerity and respect.
Decision-Making: The current period is one of decline, where petty individuals thrive. Blind actions will lead to unfavorable outcomes. While you do not need to retaliate against evil with evil, do not associate with corrupt individuals. Avoid small losses for the sake of temporary gains. Focus on self-restraint, preserving your strength, and decisively withdrawing when necessary. Develop your personal abilities, remain patient, and wait for the right moment to act. As long as you adhere to the right path and stay true to your principles, you will be able to make a successful return when the time is right and achieve great things.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Dùn Hexagram
Line Text: Initial Six (初六): Dùn wěi; lì. Wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng.
Line Text Explanation
- Wěi (尾): Refers to being left behind or at the back.
- Lì (厉): Refers to danger or peril.
The meaning of this line is: If one retreats but does so too late, they will be left behind and exposed to danger. At this moment, it is best to refrain from taking action.
Key Reminder when This Line Appears:
- Retreating and hiding in the forest can be auspicious, but one must be self-aware of the path ahead.
- Avoid being overly cautious or hesitant, as it may lead to regret.
- In times of retreat, maintain calm and patience, as both yin and yang go through cycles of growth and decline.
- Being hidden and steady will help you avoid disaster.
- If the road ahead becomes more dangerous and you feel cornered, be cautious, as rushing could lead to harm.
- Retreating and protecting oneself is better than making rash attempts, which would not bring success.
Transformation of the First Line
The movement of Initial Six transforms the hexagram into the 13th Hexagram of the I Ching: Tiān Huǒ Tóng Rén (Heaven and Fire, Fellowship). This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams: Li (离) below and Qián (乾) above. Qián represents Heaven, symbolizing the ruler, while Li represents Fire, symbolizing the people. The alignment of Fire beneath Heaven suggests a harmonious relationship between the ruler and the people, working together for the common good, and the ideal of a unified society, where all people cooperate in peace.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Dùn Hexagram
Line Text: Six Two (六二): Zhí zhī yòng huáng niú zhī gé, mò zhī shèng shuō.
Line Text Explanation
- Zhí (执): Refers to holding fast or binding.
- Gé (革): Refers to leather.
- Shuō (说): In this context, it means “to escape” or “to break free.”
The meaning of this line is: A rope made of yellow cowhide binds tightly, and no one can escape. This suggests that when one is stuck in a situation, it may be hard to break free.
Key Reminder when This Line Appears:
- Fate, both good and bad, is predetermined and cannot be easily changed.
- If you can remain steadfast and resolute, success and happiness will come.
- Be firm in your position, and your resolve will lead you to stability and peace.
- Sometimes, you must patiently wait in a quiet, isolated place, and others may not understand your patience.
- A clear and noble person will come to help, and only then will wealth, fame, and success be within reach.
Transformation of the Second Line
The movement of Six Two transforms the hexagram into the 44th Hexagram of the I Ching: Tiān Fēng Gòu (Heaven and Wind, Encounter). This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams: Xùn (巽) below and Qián (乾) above. Qián represents Heaven, while Xùn represents Wind. The wind spreads everywhere, symbolizing the union of yin and yang, and the flourishing of all things. Gòu (媾) means the encounter of opposites, but with five yang lines and one yin line, this unity cannot last forever.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Dùn Hexagram
Line Text: Nine Three (九三): Xì Dùn, yǒu jí lì, xù chén qiè, jí.
Line Text Explanation
- Xì (系): Refers to being bound or entangled.
- Jí (疾): Refers to something happening quickly.
- Lì (厉): Refers to danger or peril.
- Xù (畜): Refers to restraining or controlling.
The meaning of this line is: One is entangled by external circumstances and cannot escape easily. This situation is like being trapped in illness, and it becomes dangerous. However, by controlling servants and concubines (symbolizing internal control or managing one’s affairs), peace and stability can be achieved.
Key Reminder when This Line Appears:
- Quick action is needed, but avoid being overly stingy or hesitating in small matters.
- Focus on big plans and clear intentions, and make sure your efforts are properly communicated.
- Both progress and retreat are difficult at this point because your intentions may be constrained.
- Old relationships may scatter, and there is uncertainty, like the moon hidden behind clouds.
- Beware of private entanglements and quickly sever connections that may hold you back.
- Fear of loss or misfortune should not lead to delayed action, as hesitation could bring even worse consequences.
Transformation of the Third Line
The movement of Nine Three transforms the hexagram into the 12th Hexagram of the I Ching: Tiāndì Pǐ (Heaven and Earth, Stagnation). This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams: Kūn (坤) below and Qián (乾) above. The structure is the opposite of the Tài (泰) hexagram, with yang energy rising and yin energy descending. Heaven and Earth are disconnected, and the natural flow of things is blocked. This hexagram indicates stagnation, but it also suggests that after this stagnation, things will eventually change, and good fortune will return.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Dùn Hexagram
Line Text: Nine Four (九四): Hǎo Dùn, jūn zǐ jí, xiǎo rén fǒu.
Line Text Explanation
- Hǎo (好): Refers to something beneficial or favorable.
- Fǒu (否): Refers to blockage or closing, indicating the path is obstructed.
The meaning of this line is: When the situation is favorable for retreat, the noble person can withdraw at the right time and find success. However, if a petty person misses the opportunity, the path to retreat becomes blocked and they will fail.
Key Reminder when This Line Appears:
- Do not abandon a small but significant opportunity for a greater one.
- Be aware of danger when facing crises, as complacency leads to anxiety.
- Act with integrity, follow a righteous path, and focus on eliminating personal desires.
- Petty individuals are often bound by their personal attachments and may fall into disgrace and danger.
- Success involves balancing what is gained and what is lost, and understanding when to advance and when to retreat.
- When the path opens, calmness and peace will follow naturally.
Transformation of the Fourth Line
The movement of Nine Four transforms the hexagram into the 53rd Hexagram of the I Ching: Fēng Shān Jiàn (Wind and Mountain, Gradual Progress). This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams: Gèn (艮) below and Xùn (巽) above. Gèn represents the mountain, and Xùn represents wind, suggesting that the wind grows as it rises from the mountain, symbolizing gradual progress and growth without rushing.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Dùn Hexagram
Line Text: Nine Five (九五): Jiā Dùn, zhēn jí.
Line Text Explanation
- Jiā (嘉): Refers to something beautiful or worthy of praise.
- Zhēn (贞): Refers to steadfastness and integrity.
The meaning of this line is: If one can retreat at the right time while adhering to righteousness, the result will be auspicious and favorable.
Key Reminder when This Line Appears:
- At the right time, retreat is the best option, especially when the road ahead is long and uncertain.
- Like gold and jade hidden in a treasure chest, true value is often not seen immediately, but integrity and righteousness will lead to success.
- Times of action and rest must be well balanced, as auspicious signs appear daily.
- Like a few flowers blooming in the midst of the dark, new opportunities will emerge when the time is right.
- When family harmony and good relations prevail, happiness and good news will arrive from afar.
Transformation of the Fifth Line
The movement of Nine Five transforms the hexagram into the 56th Hexagram of the I Ching: Huǒ Shān Lǚ (Fire and Mountain, The Wanderer). This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams: Gèn (艮) below and Li (离) above. This hexagram symbolizes a fire that burns on a mountain, spreading uncontrollably. It represents the journey of a traveler who is anxious to continue their path. The metaphor here is that the fire keeps spreading, like a traveler who cannot wait to move forward, symbolizing a time of restless progress.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Dùn Hexagram
Line Text: Upper Nine (上九): Féi Dùn wú bù lì.
Line Text Explanation
- Féi (肥): Refers to flourishing or thriving.
The meaning of this line is: When one is able to fly high and disappear without a trace, there is nothing that will not be favorable.
Key Reminder when This Line Appears:
- In times of retreat, the further you go, the more favorable your situation becomes, as long as your intentions remain steadfast and you do not vacillate.
- Regret and hesitation are natural, but be mindful of not looking back too often, as second-guessing may lead to indecision.
- Upper Nine represents freedom and escape from all constraints, symbolizing a state where there is no obstruction, and all actions are smooth.
- This is a time of ease and abundance, where one can succeed without difficulties.
- Like the arrival of spring with blooming flowers, opportunities will naturally present themselves when you are ready.
- Avoid staying in stagnant situations, and take the initiative to act in ways that benefit others.
Transformation of the Sixth Line
The movement of Upper Nine transforms the hexagram into the 31st Hexagram of the I Ching: Zé Shān Xián (Lake and Mountain, Influence). This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams: Dui (兑) above and Gèn (艮) below. Dui represents the lake and Gèn represents the mountain, creating a situation where the softer, more receptive energy of the lake influences the firmer, more stable energy of the mountain. This mutual influence creates a sense of connection, where subtle forces bring about change.