Hexagram 10
LüTreading
Heaven (Qian) · Lake (Dui)
The image
Heaven above, the lake below: The image of TREADING. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, And thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.
This hexagram in one line
The name of the hexagram means on the one hand the right way of conducting oneself. Heaven, the father, is above, and the lake, the youngest daughter, is below. This shows the difference between high and low, upon which composure, correct social conduct, depends. On the other hand, the word for the name of the hexagram, TREADING,1 means literally treading upon something. The small and cheerful [Tui] treads upon the large and strong [Ch'ien]. The direction of movement of the two primary trigrams is upward. The fact that the strong treads on the weak is not mentioned in the Book of Changes, because it is taken for granted. For the weak to take a stand against the strong is not dangerous here, because it happens in good humor [Tui] and without presumption, so that the strong man is not irritated but takes it all in good part.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Heaven and lake interact
Hexagram Judgment
TREADING. Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.
The situation is really difficult. That which is strongest and that which is weakest are close together. The weak follows behind the strong and worries it. The strong, however, acquiesces and does not hurt the weak, because the contact is in good humor and harmless. In terms of a human situation, one is handling wild, intractable people. In such a case one's purpose will be achieved if one behaves with decorum. Pleasant manners succeed even with irritable people.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
- Lake (Dui)
- Lake · Joy
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Treading upon the tiger's tail without being bitten—this is because the yielding treads upon the firm. The lower trigram is joyous and follows the upper, hence success. The firm is in the central position and correct, treading upon the place of the ruler without defect; hence light and clarity.
Treading means the soft steps upon the firm. Joyfully following what is strong, one can tread on the tiger's tail without being bitten. Success comes from firmness in the center and from walking rightly even in a ruler's place.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Heaven above, the lake below: The image of TREADING. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, And thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.
Heaven and the lake show a difference of elevation that inheres in the natures of the two, hence no envy arises. Among mankind also there are necessarily differences of elevation; it is impossible to bring about universal equality. But it is important that differences in social rank should not be arbitrary and unjust, for if this occurs, envy and class struggle are the inevitable consequences. If, on the other band, external differences in rank correspond with differences in inner worth, and if inner worth forms the criterion of external rank, people acquiesce and order reigns in society.
Further
Related hexagrams
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Frequently asked questions
What does Lü / Treading mean in the I Ching?
The situation is really difficult. That which is strongest and that which is weakest are close together. The weak follows behind the strong and worries it. The...
How should I study Hexagram 10 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. The situation is one in which we are still not bound by any obligations of social intercourse. If our conduct is simple, we remain free of them. We can quietly follow our predilect...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Treading means the soft steps upon the firm. Joyfully following what is strong, one can tread on the tiger's tail without being bitten. Success comes from firmness in the center and from walking rightly even in a ruler's...
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.