Hexagram 33
TunRetreat
Heaven (Qian) · Mountain (Gen)
The image
Mountain under heaven: the image of RETREAT. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, Not angrily but with reserve.
This hexagram in one line
The power of the dark is ascending. The light retreats to security, so that the dark cannot encroach upon it. This retreat is a matter not of man's will but of natural law. Therefore in this case withdrawal is proper; it is the correct way to behave in order not to exhaust one's forces. In the calendar this hexagram is linked with the sixth month (July–August), in which the forces of winter are already showing their influence.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Heaven retreats before mountain
Hexagram Judgment
RETREAT. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
Conditions are such that the hostile forces favored by the time are advancing. In this case retreat is the right course, and it is through retreat that success is achieved. But success consists in being able to carry out the retreat correctly. Retreat is not to be confused with flight. Flight means saving oneself under any circumstances, whereas retreat is a sign of strength. We must be careful not to miss the right moment while we are in full possession of power and position. Then we shall be able to interpret the signs of the time before it is too late and to prepare for provisional retreat instead of being drawn into a desperate life-and-death struggle. Thus we do not simply abandon the field to the opponent; we make it difficult for him to advance by showing perseverance in single acts of resistance. In this way we prepare, while retreating, for the counter-movement. Understanding the laws of a constructive retreat of this sort is not easy. The meaning that lies hidden in such a time is important.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Retreat brings success, because retreating is done at the right time. The strong is in its proper place and responds appropriately. It happens at the right time and proceeds in the right way. In what is small, perseverance furthers, because the weak is growing. The meaning of the time of Retreat is great indeed.
Retreat succeeds because it happens at the proper time. The strong maintains its position while responding appropriately. Small matters are furthered by perseverance because the weak element is growing.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Mountain under heaven: the image of RETREAT. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, Not angrily but with reserve.
The mountain rises up under heaven, but owing to its nature it finally comes to a stop. Heaven on the other hand retreats upward before it into the distance and remains out of reach. This symbolizes the behavior of the superior man toward a climbing inferior; he retreats into his own thoughts as the inferior man comes forward. He does not hate him, for hatred is a form of subjective involvement by which we are bound to the hated object. The superior man shows strength (heaven) in that he brings the inferior man to a standstill (mountain) by his dignified reserve.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 33 (Retreat) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 33 (Retreat) mean for your career? Conditions are such that the hostile forces favored by the time are advancing. In this case retreat is the right course, and it is through retreat that success... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram HealthHexagram 33 (Retreat) in Health: I Ching Guidance for Wellbeing and VitalityWhat does Hexagram 33 (Retreat) suggest about health and wellbeing? Conditions are such that the hostile forces favored by the time are advancing. In this case retreat is the right course, and it is through retreat that success... Explore how the I Ching frames the balance of energy, rest, and renewal.
Frequently asked questions
What does Tun / Retreat mean in the I Ching?
Conditions are such that the hostile forces favored by the time are advancing. In this case retreat is the right course, and it is through retreat that success...
How should I study Hexagram 33 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Since the hexagram is the picture of something that is retreating, the lowest line represents the tail and the top line the head. In a retreat it is advantageous to be at the front...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Retreat succeeds because it happens at the proper time. The strong maintains its position while responding appropriately. Small matters are furthered by perseverance because the weak element is growing.
Test this hexagram against your question
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.