Hexagram 10 · ䷉
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Simple conduct. Progress without blame.
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 predilections as long as we are content and make no demands on people. The meaning of the hexagram is not standstill but progress. A man finds himself in an altogether inferior position at the start. However, he has the inner strength that guarantees progress. If he can be content with simplicity, he can make progress without blame. When a man is dissatisfied with modest circumstances, he is restless and ambitious and tries to advance, not for the sake of accomplishing anything worth while, but merely in order to escape from lowliness and poverty by dint of his conduct. Once his purpose is achieved, he is certain to become arrogant and luxury-loving. Therefore blame attaches to his progress. On the other hand, a man who is good at his work is content to behave simply. He wishes to make progress in order to accomplish something. When he attains his goal, he does something worthwhile, and all is well.
Small Image
Simple and quiet treading brings good fortune without error.
Going forward in simple treading means acting by oneself.
Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man Brings good fortune.
The situation of a lonely sage is indicated here. He remains withdrawn from the bustle of life, seeks nothing, asks nothing of anyone, and is not dazzled by enticing goals. He is true to himself and travels through life unassailed, on a level road. Since he is content and does not challenge fate, he remains free of entanglements.
Small Image
Treading alone on the smooth path shows one walks in integrity.
The recluse's perseverance is fortunate because he does not confuse himself with the ordinary world.
A one-eyed man is able to see, A lame man is able to tread. He treads on the tail of the tiger. The tiger bites the man. Misfortune. Thus does a warrior act on behalf of his great prince.
A one-eyed man can indeed see, but not enough for clear vision. A lame man can indeed tread, but not enough to make progress. If in spite of such defects a man considers himself strong and consequently exposes himself to danger, he is inviting disaster, for he is undertaking something beyond his strength. This reckless way of plunging ahead, regardless of the adequacy of one’s powers, can be justified only in the case of a warrior battling for his prince.
Small Image
The blind and lame yet facing the tiger shows danger accompanied by curses.
A one-eyed man seeing is not enough for clear vision. A lame man treading is not enough to walk with others. Being bitten shows the place is improper. A warrior acting for the great ruler shows firm resolve.
He treads on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection Lead ultimately to good fortune.
This text refers to a dangerous enterprise. The inner power to carry it through is there, but this inner power is combined with hesitating caution in one’s external attitude. This line contrasts with the preceding line, which is weak within but outwardly presses forward. Here one is sure of ultimate success, which consists in achieving one’s purpose, that is, in overcoming danger by going forward.
Small Image
The tattooed body treading the tiger's tail shows danger is imminent.
Cautious fear in treading the tiger's tail means watchfulness in the end leads to good fortune.
Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger.
This refers to the ruler of the hexagram as a whole. One sees that one has to be resolute in conduct. But at the same time one must remain conscious of the danger connected with such resoluteness, especially if it is to be persevered in. Only awareness of the danger makes success possible.
Small Image
The tenth year brings a turning point, suitable for action.
Resolute treading with danger means the position is correct and appropriate.
Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs. When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes.
The work is ended. If we want to know whether good fortune will follow, we must look back upon our conduct and its consequences. If the effects are good, then good fortune is certain. No one knows himself. It is only by the consequences of his actions, by the fruit of his labors, that a man can judge what he is to expect.
Small Image
Treading with reflection shows perfect virtue.
When good fortune is complete at the top, great blessing is present.
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...
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.
i ching hexagram meanings
I Ching Hexagram Meanings: How to Read the 64 Patterns
Understand how I Ching hexagram meanings work, from the overall pattern to the image, line statements, and modern interpretation.
i ching changing lines
How to Read Changing Lines in the I Ching
Learn how changing lines work in the I Ching and how to interpret them without overcomplicating the reading.
how to read i ching
How to Read the I Ching: A Beginner Path from Hexagram to Action
Learn how to read the I Ching step by step, from identifying the hexagram to interpreting line meanings and translating the result into action.