Lü
Careful Conduct
When you receive Hexagram 10, Lü, the I Ching turns your attention to careful conduct. Treading on the tail of a tiger, and it does not bite. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
Treading on the tail of a tiger, and it does not bite. Progress and success.
Classical (Legge)Li suggests the idea of one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.
The Image
Sky above, the marsh below. Lü. The one of centered character distinguishes high from low and settles the aims of the people.
Classical (Legge)(The trigram representing) the sky above, and below it (that representing the waters of) a marsh, form Li. The superior man, in accordance with this, discriminates between high and low, and gives settlement to the aims of the people.
The Changing Lines
Treading the accustomed path. Going forward brings no error.
Classical (Legge)He treads his accustomed path. If he go forward, there will be no error.
Treading a level, easy path. A quiet and solitary one. Firm and correct brings good fortune.
Classical (Legge)He treads his path, which is level and easy — a quiet and solitary man, to whom, if he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune.
A one-eyed man thinks he can see. A lame man thinks he walks well. He treads on the tail of a tiger and is bitten. Ill fortune. A bravo playing the part of a great ruler.
Classical (Legge)A one-eyed man (thinks he) can see; a lame man (thinks he) can walk well; one treads on the tail of a tiger, and is bitten. All this indicates ill fortune. A (mere) bravo acts (thus) the part of a great ruler.
Treading on the tail of a tiger. Caution and circumspection bring good fortune in the end.
Classical (Legge)He treads on the tail of a tiger. (With) caution and circumspection, (there will be) good fortune (in the end).
Treading resolutely. Firm and correct, yet there is peril.
Classical (Legge)He treads resolutely; and though he be firm and correct, there is peril.
Look at the whole course that has been trodden and examine its presage. If it is complete and without failure, great good fortune.
Classical (Legge)We may look at the (whole course) that is trodden, and examine the presage which that gives. If it be complete and without failure, there will be great good fortune.
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