Home › I Ching · 64 hexagrams › Hexagram 33
James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.
Thun — the mountain still beneath a heaven that moves away — is the hexagram of the well-timed withdrawal, and the oracle's promise is plain: leave, and the road stays open; a small measure of firm correctness holds the evil back. At the tail of the retreat nothing should be stirred; peril waits on forced motion. Hold the purpose to go as with a yellow ox-hide that cannot be broken. The third line is bound to what it should leave — deal with the entanglement as with a servant kept at a distance, and it turns fortunate. The superior man withdraws while still liking his place; the small man cannot. An admirable and a noble going alike bring good fortune.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows a retiring tail. The position is perilous. No movement in any direction should be made.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows its subject holding (his purpose) fast as if by a (thong made from the) hide of a yellow ox, which cannot be broken.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, shows one retiring but bound,—to his distress and peril. (If he were to deal with his binders as in) nourishing a servant or concubine, it would be fortunate for him.
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring notwithstanding his likings. In a superior man this will lead to good fortune; a small man cannot attain to this.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in an admirable way. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Line 6
The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect.