Hexagram 33 · ䷠
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything.
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. Here one is at the back, in immediate contact with the pursuing enemy. This is dangerous, and under such circumstances it is not advisable to undertake anything. Keeping still is the easiest way of escaping from the threatening danger.
Small Image
He retires at the tail. If he does not go forward, what disaster can overtake him?
Retreating at the rear is dangerous, but if one does not advance, what disaster can occur?
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose.
Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates that which is correct and in line with duty. Oxhide is strong and not to be torn. While the superior men retreat and the inferior press after them, the inferior man represented here holds on so firmly and tightly to the superior men that the latter cannot shake him off. And because he is in quest of what is right and so strong in purpose, he reaches his goal.2 Thus the line confirms what is said in the Judgment: “In what is small”—here equivalent to “in the inferior man”—“perseverance furthers.”
Small Image
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide: his will is firm.
Holding fast with yellow oxhide shows firmness of will.
A halted retreat Is nerve-wracking and dangerous. To retain people as men- and maidservants Brings good fortune.
When it is time to retreat it is both unpleasant and dangerous to be held back, because then one no longer has freedom of action. In such a case the only expedient is to take into one’s service, so to speak, those who refuse to let one go, so that one may at least keep one’s initiative and not fall helplessly under their domination. But even with this expedient the situation is far from satisfactory—for what can one hope to accomplish with such servants?
Small Image
A tied-up retreat brings sickness and danger because his will is confused and depressed. With the servants of the household, good fortune means he cannot undertake great things.
Tied-up retreat brings danger due to confused and depressed will. Good fortune with servants means he cannot handle great matters.
Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man And downfall to the inferior man.
In retreating the superior man is intent on taking his departure willingly and in all friendliness. He easily adjusts his mind to retreat, because in retreating he does not have to do violence to his convictions. The only one who suffers is the inferior man from whom he retreats, who will degenerate when deprived of the guidance of the superior man.
Small Image
Friendly retreat brings good fortune to the superior man, because the inferior man cannot do it.
The superior person's successful retreat is beyond the inferior person's capability.
Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
It is the business of the superior man to recognize in time that the moment for retreat has come. If the right moment is chosen, the retreat can be carried out within the forms of perfect friendliness, without the necessity of disagreeable discussions. Yet, for all the observance of amenities, absolute firmness of decision is necessary if one is not to be led astray by irrelevant considerations.
Small Image
Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune, because he has correct aims.
Praiseworthy retreat brings good fortune through correct aims.
Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.
The situation is unequivocal. Inner detachment has become an established fact, and we are at liberty to depart. When one sees the way ahead thus clearly, free of all doubt, a cheerful mood sets in, and one chooses what is right without further thought. Such a clear path ahead always leads to the good.
Small Image
Cheerful retreat serves to further everything, because he is without doubt.
Generous retreat without doubt serves to further everything.
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.
Primary text: Zhouyi / I Ching, including the Judgment, Image, line texts, and related commentaries.
Translation basis: public-domain and modern study references, with AI used only as a learning aid.
Zhouyi / I Ching primary text: The received text of the Book of Changes, including the Judgment, Image, and line statements.
The I Ching or Book of Changes, Richard Wilhelm / Cary F. Baynes: Princeton University Press translation used as a major English-language reference point for names, structure, and commentary framing.
The Sacred Books of China: The Texts of Confucianism, James Legge: Classical English reference used for comparative reading of source terminology and commentarial tradition.
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