10. Lǚ 履
TREADING THE PATH, CAUTIOUS ADVANCE
Key Concepts:
dignified behavior, manners, justified risk
Continue your path lightly and with the right mindset, otherwise, obstacles may arise.
Above is Qian (Heaven), below is Dui (Lake). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a sleeping tiger and a passerby walking right beside it. On your path, you may encounter dangers, but if you move lightly and with the right mindset, your tread will not awaken the tiger, and you will continue your path. However, be wary: heavy tread, heavy thoughts, the absence of the right mindset can cause difficulties that will not allow you to move forward. The tiger will wake up, and the traveler will have to flee. Remember, this hexagram advises to continue your path and not to stop.
Qian (Heaven) and Dui (Lake) are two forces so distant from each other that there is no disharmony between them, each realizing its energetic potential. The lower trigram is likened to a trusting and cheerful daughter, unmistakably finding her way, following in the footsteps of her strong father, symbolized by the upper trigram (the glyph 'lu' initially meant 'shoe').
This path may be unfamiliar and fraught with danger, but careful planning and sensible precautions can help avoid trouble. The dubious situations indicated by the hexagram often have a social character. Lu advises us to behave decently, diplomatically, in a good mood, confidently that such qualities can pacify even the most irritated person. The behavior strategy advised by this hexagram is to move lightly and confidently, no matter what stop surrounds you. Inner lightness that arises because you are not burdened by the situation, do not take on others' problems as your own, and do not perceive your own as an incredible burden and injustice. On the other hand, you should not flaunt yourself and your merits too much, force will get you nowhere. If you maintain internal calm – you will easily pass through a series of difficulties and tests.
Qian (Heaven) and Dui (Lake) are two forces so distant from each other that there is no disharmony between them, each realizing its energetic potential. The lower trigram is likened to a trusting and cheerful daughter, unmistakably finding her way, following in the footsteps of her strong father, symbolized by the upper trigram (the glyph 'lu' initially meant 'shoe').
This path may be unfamiliar and fraught with danger, but careful planning and sensible precautions can help avoid trouble. The dubious situations indicated by the hexagram often have a social character. Lu advises us to behave decently, diplomatically, in a good mood, confidently that such qualities can pacify even the most irritated person. The behavior strategy advised by this hexagram is to move lightly and confidently, no matter what stop surrounds you. Inner lightness that arises because you are not burdened by the situation, do not take on others' problems as your own, and do not perceive your own as an incredible burden and injustice. On the other hand, you should not flaunt yourself and your merits too much, force will get you nowhere. If you maintain internal calm – you will easily pass through a series of difficulties and tests.
I Ching Talking
Decisive advance. Be steadfast in danger.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
The simplest advance.
If you go forward, there will be no slander.
Act boldly and relying on your ambitions.
The path on which you step is perfectly smooth.
For the hidden person, steadfastness leads to happiness.
Move forward calmly, confidently, and soberly.
Even the one-eyed can see; even the one-legged can step.
But if you step on the tiger's tail in such a way, it will bite the person.
Misfortune.
The warrior acts on behalf of the great ruler.
Beware of slippery and hidden people who seek their own benefit in your actions.
To step on the tiger's tail... oh-oh!
In the end - happiness.
Learning lessons from troubles, you will be able to move forward safely.
Decisive advance. Be steadfast in danger.
You must move forward despite potential dangers.
Consider the advance and understand what is happy in it.
Upon its return - original happiness.
Your consciousness will tell you if your current course is correct.