Hexagram 17
SuiFollowing
Lake (Dui) · Thunder (Zhen)
The image
Thunder in the middle of the lake: The image of FOLLOWING. Thus the superior man at nightfall Goes indoors for rest and recuperation.
This hexagram in one line
The trigram Tui, the Joyous, whose attribute is gladness, is above; Chên, the Arousing, which has the attribute of movement, is below. Joy in movement induces following. The Joyous is the youngest daughter, while the Arousing is the eldest son. An older man defers to a young girl and shows her consideration. By this he moves her to follow him.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Following with joy
Hexagram Judgment
FOLLOWING has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.
In order to obtain a following one must first know how to adapt oneself. If a man would rule he must first learn to serve, for only in this way does he secure from those below him the joyous assent that is necessary if they are to follow him. If he has to obtain a following by force or cunning, by conspiracy or by creating factions, he invariably arouses resistance, which obstructs willing adherence. But even joyous movement can lead to evil consequences, hence the added stipulation, “Perseverance furthers”—that is, consistency in doing right—together with “No blame.” Just as we should not ask others to follow us unless this condition is fulfilled, so it is only under this condition that we can in turn follow others without coming to harm. The thought of obtaining a following through adaptation to the demands of the time is a great and significant idea; this is why the appended judgment is so favorable.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Lake (Dui)
- Lake · Joy
- Thunder (Zhen)
- Thunder · Arousing
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Following means coming to join. The firm comes and places itself below the yielding. Movement with joyousness. Following brings supreme success, perseverance furthers, no blame. All under heaven follows the time. Following: the meaning of the time is indeed great!
Following represents the act of coming together in harmony. The firm yields to the flexible, and through joyous movement, all things progress. The greatness of following the proper time cannot be overstated.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Thunder in the middle of the lake: The image of FOLLOWING. Thus the superior man at nightfall Goes indoors for rest and recuperation.
In the autumn electricity withdraws into the earth again and rests. Here it is the thunder in the middle of the lake that serves as the image—thunder in its winter rest, not thunder in motion. The idea of following in the sense of adaptation to the demands of the time grows out of this image. Thunder in the middle of the lake indicates times of darkness and rest. Similarly, a superior man, after being tirelessly active all day, allows himself rest and recuperation at night. No situation can become favorable until one is able to adapt to it and does not wear himself out with mistaken resistance.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 17 (Following) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 17 (Following) reveal about love and relationships? In order to obtain a following one must first know how to adapt oneself. If a man would rule he must first learn to serve, for only in this way does he secure f... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 17 (Following) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 17 (Following) mean for your career? In order to obtain a following one must first know how to adapt oneself. If a man would rule he must first learn to serve, for only in this way does he secure f... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Sui / Following mean in the I Ching?
In order to obtain a following one must first know how to adapt oneself. If a man would rule he must first learn to serve, for only in this way does he secure f...
How should I study Hexagram 17 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. There are exceptional conditions in which the relation between leader and followers changes. It is implicit in the idea of following and adaptation that if one wants to lead others...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Following represents the act of coming together in harmony. The firm yields to the flexible, and through joyous movement, all things progress. The greatness of following the proper time cannot be overstated.
Test this hexagram against your question
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.