The Book of Change/I chings: Treading/Conduct

The name of the hexagram of I Ching/the Book of Changes 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, 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 happened in good humor [Tui] and without presumption, so that the strong man is not irritated but takes it all in good part. Following is the original text of the Book of Changes/I Ching.

The Judgment
TREADING. Treading upon the tail of the tiger.
It does not bite the man. Success.

The Image
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.

Lower line
Nine at the beginning means: Simple conduct. Progress without blame.

Second line
Nine in the second place means: Treading a smooth, level course.
The perseverance of a dark man Brings good fortune.

Third line
Six in the third place means: 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.

Fourth line
Nine in the fourth place means: He treads on the tail of the tiger.
Caution and circumspection Lead ultimately to good fortune.

Fifth line
Nine in the fifth place means: Resolute conduct.
Perseverance with awareness of danger.

Upper line
Nine at the top means: Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs.
When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes.

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