Above is the trigram Dui (Lake), below is the trigram Zhen (Thunder). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a situation where, in the words of ancient Daoists, ‘if you want to take something, first you need to give something’. Since Thunder is associated with movement and mobility, and the Lake — with joy and rest, two seemingly opposite concepts unite in harmonious unity. There is both mobility and rest, which harmoniously replace each other, and sometimes complement.
To lead correctly and wisely, we must understand our place and the position of those who turn to us. We must learn to serve others before we can confidently lead them, and follow someone before we can expect to have followers ourselves. Without such knowledge, we can only resort to coercion and cunning, which will bring indignation and resistance. Following does not mean submission; following means embodying the grand ideas and plans of others.
Moreover, we need to know when to act and when to refrain from actions to replenish our energy. This is why the Chinese text uses the image of the sage who rests at the feast, restoring his strength and energetic potential. A prolonged period of relentless turmoil will lead to a loss of strength and enthusiasm, remember the need to seek rest in movement and movement in rest. Do not be obstinate, follow the natural course of events. This hexagram usually indicates a period of calm, not too rapid, yet constant forward movement.