Hexagram 33
Retreat, retreat, protect yourself wisely
The wisdom of the Dun hexagram lies in the word "retreat." It tells us that in life we must not only learn how to make progress, but also learn how to retreat. Choosing to retreat with dignity and strategically at the appropriate time is not cowardice, but the supreme wisdom of preserving oneself and recreating vitality.
Trigram Structure
䷠, Qian above, Gen below
Palace：乾
Key Themes
Retreat, retreat, protect yourself wisely
The wisdom of the Dun hexagram lies in the word "retreat." It tells us that in life we must not only learn how to make progress, but also learn how to retreat. Choosing to retreat with dignity and strategically at the appropriate time is not cowardice, but the supreme wisdom of preserving oneself and recreating vitality.
Dun: Heng. Xiao Li Zhen.
Distant sky, hermitage behind the mountain.
Screen, wall, refuge, pension.
The wisdom of the Dun hexagram lies in the word "retreat." It tells us that in life we must not only learn how to make progress, but also learn how to retreat. Choosing to retreat with dignity and strategically at the appropriate time is not cowardice, but the supreme wisdom of preserving oneself and recreating vitality.
Escape the tail, be sharp, don't use it, you will go there.
Guidance
Retreating at the end of the line; there is danger; do not act.
Modern Insight
This is the worst time to retreat. You are too slow and have been caught by the tail by enemies (or trouble); you want to retreat but cannot. At this time, any struggle is futile and will only make the situation worse.
If you insist on using the leather of an ox, Mo Zhi wins.
Guidance
Bound with oxhide rope; no one can untie it; this indicates a firm resolve to retreat.
Modern Insight
This represents that your resolve to retreat is extremely firm, as if bound by strong oxhide rope, unmoved by any external temptation or words. This firm will is the key to successful retreat.
If it is due to escape, there will be severe illness, animals, ministers and concubines will be auspicious.
Guidance
Burdened by villains, unable to retreat far; though there is illness, no great harm.
Modern Insight
Because of responsibilities and attachments, you cannot leave freely. Although this troubles you, this line reminds you that responsibly handling these attachments is homework you must complete before retreating. Only after settling them can you leave with peace of mind.
A good escape is good for a gentleman, but bad for a villain.
Guidance
A gentleman retreats gracefully; a villain cannot do this.
Modern Insight
This is a noble, voluntary retreat. You are not forced, but out of wisdom, actively abandon fame and fortune. This realm can only be understood and achieved by gentlemen with broad minds; those villains who pursue fame and fortune cannot imagine it.
Jia Dun, Zhen Ji.
Guidance
Retreating gracefully and appropriately; maintaining the right path brings fortune.
Modern Insight
You hold a high position, yet can arrange an orderly, exemplary retreat at the most appropriate time. You not only retreat safely yourself, but also set an example for those around you. Your retreat wins everyone's respect.
There is no disadvantage in fat escape.
Guidance
Retreating gracefully; nothing is unfavorable.
Modern Insight
This is the highest realm of retreat. You have completely freed yourself from worldly troubles, without attachments, free and at ease. Your heart is extremely rich, your spirit extremely free. This is a complete, perfect liberation.
