The Philosophical Meaning of the Third Hexagram in the I Ching: Zhūn (屯 )
In the I Ching (易经 Yì Jīng), each hexagram serves as a symbol, representing various meanings and aspects of life. Qián (乾, Heaven) symbolizes the sky and fatherhood, while Kūn (坤, Earth) represents the earth and motherhood. These two fundamental hexagrams are known as the “parent hexagrams”, from whose interaction all things in the universe are born. As the third hexagram, Zhūn(屯 ) signifies the beginning of things.
The Origin of Zhūn (屯) in the Sequence of Hexagrams
The I Ching states:
“What fills the space between Heaven and Earth is myriad beings, thus follows the hexagram Zhūn. Zhūn means fullness; it signifies the birth of things.”
Since all things fill the universe, Zhūn naturally follows. The character 屯 (Zhūn) conveys both fullness and the beginning of life.
Symbolism of Zhūn: The Hardships of Beginnings
Zhūn represents difficulty in advancement, reflecting the challenges at the start of any endeavor—the classic “a good beginning is half the battle” but also “all beginnings are difficult”.
From a hexagram perspective:
- The upper trigram is Kǎn (坎, Water), symbolizing danger and hardship.
- The lower trigram is Zhèn (震, Thunder), which seeks to advance but is blocked by the obstacles of Kǎn.
- This hexagram is traditionally regarded as an unfavorable one (下下卦 xià xià guà).
The I Ching describes it metaphorically:
“Threads tangled by the wind lose their ends, confusion brings worry. Move patiently, and success will come. Rushing only leads to restriction.”
The Water-Thunder Symbolism in Zhūn
Zhūn consists of Kǎn (Water) above and Zhèn (Thunder) below, forming the hexagram of Water and Thunder (水雷屯 shuǐ léi Zhùn).
While the name Zhūn suggests a sprouting seedling, the hexagram’s imagery depicts water and thunder. How do these connect?
- Kǎn (Water) at the top represents clouds.
- Zhèn (Thunder) at the bottom represents lightning and storm.
- When dark clouds and thunder appear, rain follows, providing the nourishment needed for plants to grow.
This illustrates the organic connection between the hexagram’s name and its structure, showcasing the struggle and potential for growth.
Interpretations from Various Scholars
“Secrets of the I Ching” (《断易天机》) Interpretation
Zhūn (屯) is a second-generation hexagram of the Kǎn Palace (坎宫二世卦). It indicates difficulty and hardship, requiring one to face challenges with resilience and decisiveness to achieve a favorable outcome.
Northern Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (邵雍 Shào Yōng) Interpretation
“The birth of all things begins with difficulty; hardship first, ease later; suffering now, sweetness to come.”
This hexagram suggests that one is in a difficult situation and should avoid rash actions. Hard work and perseverance are necessary to overcome obstacles and eventually achieve success.
Taiwanese Confucian Scholar Fu Peirong (傅佩荣 Fù Pèiróng) Interpretation
- Fate: Stay put rather than advance.
- Wealth: Business ventures will be difficult.
- Home: Requires renovation; early marriage may face challenges.
- Health: Preserve energy and strength.
Traditional Interpretation of the Zhūn Hexagram
This hexagram is composed of two different trigrams (Zhèn below, Kǎn above):
- Zhèn (Thunder) symbolizes movement.
- Kǎn (Water) symbolizes danger.
Together, they signify a stormy and difficult environment.
The original meaning of Zhūn refers to sprouting plants, symbolizing the birth of all things amid great obstacles. However, when the time is right, life will flourish.
- Great Image (大象 Dà Xiàng): “Zhūn means difficulty; one wishes to advance but cannot.”
- Fortune (运势 Yùn Shì): Challenges and setbacks are expected, but overcoming them leads to eventual relief.
Practical Applications of the Zhūn Hexagram
Career (事业 Shì Yè)
- Initial setbacks and hardships are likely.
- Success comes by embracing challenges, staying cautious, and persistently moving forward.
- The right moment must be seized, but patience and support from others are crucial.
- Collaboration is essential—seeking help from capable individuals can make a significant difference.
Business (经商 Jīng Shāng)
- Starting a business will be difficult and full of setbacks.
- Strong faith and persistence are required.
- Do not be deceived by superficial challenges—stay proactive and strategic.
- If progress remains blocked, consider retreating to reassess and wait for better opportunities.
Pursuit of Fame (求名 Qiú Míng)
- Actively pursuing goals is necessary.
- Initiative and perseverance will lead to success.
Love & Marriage (婚恋 Hūn Liàn)
- Many obstacles must be overcome for love to succeed.
- True love will endure trials and ultimately lead to a fulfilling marriage.
Decision-Making (决策 Juécè)
- Beginnings are difficult, but unyielding perseverance will bring great rewards.
- One may feel misunderstood or isolated, causing frustration.
- The right allies are necessary for overcoming obstacles.
- Adopting an optimistic and determined attitude will lead to ultimate success.
The Zhūn Hexagram (屯卦 Zhūn Guà) teaches the lesson that all great things start with difficulty. Just as a seedling must push through the soil to grow, progress in life often begins with struggle. Those who face their hardships with patience, resilience, and wisdom will eventually thrive.
The Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of Zhūn Hexagram
In the Zhūn hexagram, the emphasis on “beneficial to establish a marquis” reflects the idea that the beginning of any endeavor is also a time of difficulty, requiring assistance from others. When starting a new task, if you feel uncertain, you can adjust your goals and strategies, seek advice from experienced subordinates, and “reward” them, giving them certain benefits as well as responsibilities and obligations, similar to the enfeoffment of vassals. This approach is highly beneficial for your undertaking.
For those who draw this hexagram, you may be in a dilemma, unable to move forward and unable to realize your potential. At this time, it is not advisable to take action. Instead, you should stay at home and uphold your moral integrity. You should establish your authority, cultivate your network of relationships, or wait until you have achieved something before making a significant move. The initial stage of a career is often difficult, and it may be hard to achieve results, but by remaining upright and courageous, you will have a promising future.
The “Xiang” (Image) states: “Though hesitating, the intention to move forward is righteous. By the noble respecting the lowly, one gains the support of the people.” This means that even if you are hesitating, your intention to move forward is righteous. By respecting those of lower status, you can gain the support of the people.
The first line teaches people not to be discouraged by difficulties and to maintain a forward-looking mindset. It also emphasizes the importance of “the noble respecting the lowly,” meaning that leaders should treat their subordinates with respect and honor the virtuous.
For those who draw this hexagram, you may be recommended by many to take on a certain task or leadership role. Although you have the ability, the timing is not right, and it may be difficult to realize your wishes, which can be described as unfulfilled ambitions.
The initial nine Yang line is in a favorable position, like an employee with great ambitions in a lower-level position. In the I Ching, Yang is revered and Yin is humble, so the initial nine line is “the noble respecting the lowly,” meaning that a noble identity comes to a lowly position. In today’s context, we should not equate Yang with male and Yin with female. In fact, everyone with great ambitions is noble because their aspirations can make them noble. Such ambitious individuals in lowly positions must be as firm as a rock and as self-reliant as a pillar to achieve great things.
Transformation of the First Line of Zhūn Hexagram
When the first line of Zhūn moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 8: Shui Di Bi (Water Earth Union). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Kun below, Kan above). Water rests upon the earth, and the earth accepts rivers and seas, symbolizing mutual dependence and intimacy. This hexagram is the complete opposite of the Shi hexagram, creating a complementary relationship. It illustrates the principles of mutual support, generosity, and sincere unity.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of Zhūn Hexagram
The reason why Liu Er (Second Six) is not going smoothly is explained in the “Xiang” (Image) as follows: “The difficulty of Liu Er is due to riding on a strong line; it takes ten years to marry, which is a deviation from the norm.” This means that the difficult situation of Liu Er is because it is on top of a strong (Yang) line; it takes ten years to get married, which is unusual.
From this hexagram, we can understand the key points of choosing a partner: it is not about money or status, but whether they are the one you love and whether they have great ambitions and potential for development. Therefore, the insightful Liu Er eventually marries her beloved, who has achieved success in his career after ten years. Female readers should be inspired by this hexagram to understand how to choose their partners.
Transformation of the Second Line of Zhūn Hexagram
When the second line of Zhūn moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 60: Shui Ze Jie (Water Marsh Conservation). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui represents a marsh, and Kan represents water. A marsh has water but with limited flow; if there is too much water, it will overflow the marsh. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Jie (Conservation). The Jie hexagram is the opposite of the Hun hexagram, creating a complementary relationship. (Heaven and earth) need moderation to remain ever-new, (countries) need moderation to be stable, and (individuals) need moderation to be perfect.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of Zhūn Hexagram
Let’s carefully examine this line. Liu San (Third Six) is in the lower trigram, which belongs to the Zhūn trigram, representing action. Liu San is also in the mutual Kun trigram, representing a field. From the position of Liu San, we can analyze that it is about hunting in the fields. Liu San is a Yin line but is in the “three” position, which is a strong (Yang) position. There is no leader above, so even though instructions are given to enter the forest, there is no one to follow or guide. Since Liu San is Yin and lacks this ability, it is better to abandon the pursuit of prey, otherwise, difficulties will arise.
For those who draw this hexagram, when doing things, learn to act according to the situation. If you do not have capable assistants or the support of leaders, and you are not good at it, give up. If you are not talented in a certain area and insist on doing something in that area, not only will you fail, but you may also bring disaster upon yourself.
The “Xiang” (Image) analyzes this line as follows: “Chasing a deer without a gamekeeper, just following the animals. A gentleman should abandon it; if he continues to pursue, there will be difficulties and even exhaustion.” This means that chasing a wild deer without the guidance of a gamekeeper, just following the animals, is because of greed for the prey. A gentleman should give up; if he continues to pursue, there will be difficulties and even exhaustion.
For those who draw this hexagram, when doing things, pay attention to what can be done and what cannot. If something can be done with the right timing, favorable conditions, and your ability, you should do it without hesitation. If something cannot be done and you are not capable, even if there are great rewards in front of you, do not do it. If you only covet wealth and honor without considering your abilities, disaster will surely follow. In such situations, you should know when to give up and control your greed. Do not just chase the prey without considering your own situation.
Liu San is at the top of the Zhūn trigram, representing action, but being at the top, Liu San may act excessively. Moreover, moving up further leads to the Kan trigram, which represents danger. There is danger ahead, so the line text uses a vivid metaphor to give very sound advice. A gentleman chases a deer into the forest, a strange forest. The gentleman is eager to get the deer and did not bring an experienced gamekeeper, so he faces the danger of getting lost. What should he do, continue chasing or give up? The gentleman is wise and chooses to give up.
Transformation of the Third Line of Zhūn Hexagram
If the third line (六三, liù sān) changes, the resulting hexagram is Shuǐ Huǒ Jì Jì (水火既济, “Water and Fire Already Harmonized,” Hexagram 63).
This hexagram consists of Lí (离, Fire) below and Kǎn (坎, Water) above. Water and fire interact—water is above, suppressing fire, symbolizing balance and completion.
- “Jì” (既) means “already,” and “Jì Jì” (既济) means “already completed.”
- It signifies that a goal has been achieved, and stability has been reached. However, the cycle of change continues, and this balance is not permanent.
Philosophical Meaning:
Jì Jì represents a situation where success has already been attained, but it also warns that stagnation or complacency can lead to decline. In nature, balance is dynamic, not static. Therefore, while this hexagram suggests accomplishment, it also advises caution, adaptability, and continuous effort to maintain success.
This transformation serves as a reminder that after achieving a goal, one must remain vigilant—what seems complete today may soon require renewal or adjustment.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Zhūn Hexagram
Those who receive this line in divination should learn to act according to the situation. If one lacks capable assistants or the support of leadership and is not skilled in the matter at hand, it is better to give up rather than persist. If one is not talented in a particular field but insists on achieving success in it, not only will they fail, but they may also invite misfortune.
Interpretation from “Xiàng” (《象》, Commentary on the Image):
“Jí lù wú yú, yǐ cóng qín yě. Jūnzǐ shě zhī, wǎng lìn, qióng yě.” (即鹿无虞，以从禽也。君子舍之，往吝，穷也。)
This means: Chasing a wild deer without a hunter’s guidance, one merely follows the herd of beasts. This is driven by greed for the game rather than wisdom. A superior person (jūnzǐ, 君子) should abandon such a pursuit. Continuing forward will lead to difficulties and even entrapment.
For those who receive this line, it is crucial to assess whether they have the necessary conditions to proceed. If the timing, environment, and personal capability align, then they should proceed without hesitation. However, if these elements are not in place—even if great wealth and status are within reach—it is best to refrain. Blindly chasing after riches and status without considering one’s actual ability will inevitably lead to disaster. In such situations, one must learn to let go when necessary and restrain their greed. Do not recklessly pursue something without considering the risks involved.
Transformation of the Fourth Line in Zhūn Hexagram
If the fourth line (六四, liù sì) changes, the resulting hexagram is Zé Léi Suí (泽雷随, “Lake Thunder Following,” Hexagram 17).
This hexagram consists of Zhèn (震, Thunder) below and Duì (兑, Lake) above. Thunder represents movement, and Lake represents joy—movement with joy signifies suí (随), meaning to follow. The message here is that one should follow the right path at the right time, while maintaining integrity and discernment. It implies adaptability, mutual influence, and communication, but also the necessity of remaining steadfast in one’s core values.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Zhūn Hexagram
From the hexagram’s structure, the fourth line is a yin (阴) line positioned in a soft place, which means it is well-suited to its position.
Those who receive this line and are considering marriage or romantic pursuits should not hesitate. There is no need to worry about whether the other party will accept them. Instead, they should boldly pursue their desires, as although difficulties may arise, the outcome will be auspicious. The obstacles may not be as daunting as they seem.
Interpretation from “Xiàng” (《象》, Commentary on the Image):
“Qiú ér wǎng, míng yě.” (求而往，明也。)
This means: Actively seeking and moving forward is a sign of wisdom.
Since this line is part of the Zhūn Hexagram, which represents the early stages of things, it reminds us that difficulties at the beginning are inevitable. However, one must not become discouraged. Rather than giving up due to obstacles, one should persevere with determination and move forward boldly.
Transformation of the Fifth Line in Zhūn Hexagram
If the fifth line (九五, jiǔ wǔ) changes, the resulting hexagram is Dì Léi Fù (地雷复, “Earth Thunder Returning,” Hexagram 24).
This hexagram consists of Zhèn (震, Thunder) below and Kūn (坤, Earth) above. Thunder represents movement, and Earth represents submission—movement within submission signifies fù (复), meaning returning to the natural cycle.
This transformation indicates that progress should follow a natural rhythm, moving in harmony with the environment rather than forcing the situation. It encourages patience, flexibility, and a strategic approach to progress and retreat.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Zhūn Hexagram
In the Yìjīng (易经, I Ching), the fifth line is considered the most honorable position.
The ninth-five (九五, jiǔ wǔ) in Zhūn Hexagram is in the Kǎn (坎, Water) trigram, which represents clouds. Clouds contain water droplets but have not yet turned into rain, hence the phrase “Zhūn qí gāo” (屯其膏), meaning ‘accumulating richness but not yet distributing it’.
If a ruler (天子, tiānzǐ) receives this hexagram, it suggests that their benevolence has not yet reached the people. A wise ruler should understand the principle of giving and receiving—accumulating little for oneself while bestowing much upon the people will lead to auspicious outcomes. However, if one only hoards wealth without benefiting others, misfortune will follow.
Interpretation from “Xiàng” (《象》, Commentary on the Image):
“Zhūn qí gāo, shī wèi guāng yě.” (屯其膏，施未光也。)
This means: Accumulating wealth without spreading it—one’s benevolence has not yet illuminated others.
For an ordinary person receiving this hexagram, it serves as a lesson on the balance of wealth and generosity. Hoarding riches without contributing to society is risky. While it may lead to small successes, large-scale achievements will be hindered. Therefore, rather than focusing solely on one’s personal wealth, one should extend kindness and generosity—only by knowing when to give can one avoid misfortune and attain true prosperity.
Transformation of the Sixth Line in Zhūn Hexagram
If the sixth line (上六, shàng liù) changes, the resulting hexagram is Fēng Léi Yì (风雷益, “Wind Thunder Increasing,” Hexagram 42).
This hexagram consists of Xùn (巽, Wind) above and Zhèn (震, Thunder) below. The interaction of wind and thunder intensifies their force, signifying yì (益), meaning increase, benefit, and mutual growth.
Fēng Léi Yì contrasts with Sǔn (损, Hexagram 41), which represents decrease. While Sǔn signifies reducing oneself to benefit others, Yì signifies the opposite—giving more to those below in order to create greater prosperity overall.
This transformation suggests that true prosperity comes from mutual benefit. If one learns to share their wealth and resources, they will receive even greater returns in the long run.