Hexagram 10
Treading
履 · 리
Heaven over Lake
The Judgment
One approaches a power capable of doing harm, yet careful conduct makes passage possible. Success belongs neither to reckless courage nor to fearful withdrawal, but to a cheerful spirit governed by propriety. Know the difference between higher and lower, strength and weakness, nearness and presumption. When the outward step expresses inward respect, even a dangerous encounter need not end in injury. Advance with clear awareness of where you stand and whom your movement may disturb.
The Image
Heaven is above and the lake below, each occupying its fitting place. The noble one distinguishes responsibilities and establishes an order in which people can dwell securely. Such distinctions should clarify service and obligation, not encourage arrogance; harmony depends upon positions being understood and conduct answering to them.
In the light of the Dao
The yielding lake accompanies heaven without challenging its height. Thus one may travel beside formidable strength by abandoning the urge to contend. Attend to the ground beneath each step. Unforced courtesy leaves room for others and allows danger to pass without becoming a struggle.
The two trigrams
Upper · outer
☰Heaven
Creative, strong · Father
Lower · inner
☱Lake
Joyous, open · Youngest daughter
The six lines
Read from the bottom up. A line speaks only when it moves — when the cast gives it as 6 or 9.
First line · the beginning · yang, nine
One begins with plain conduct, unadorned by claims to rank or distinction. There is no fault in going forward when the purpose is honest and the step suits one's circumstances. Keep to what is necessary; simplicity offers surer footing than borrowed importance.
Second line · the inner centre · yang, nine
The path is level and spacious for one who remains inwardly secluded from ambition. Steadfastness brings good fortune because outside applause does not determine the direction. Walk quietly, without seeking notice; a settled heart discovers room where a restless heart imagines obstacles.
Third line · the threshold · yin, six
One who sees incompletely claims clear sight, and one whose movement is impaired claims readiness to advance. Such presumption exposes one to the tiger's bite. Martial boldness is mistaken for governing wisdom; ambition exceeding capacity turns a dangerous encounter into actual misfortune.
Fourth line · the minister · yang, nine
The danger is real, and one proceeds as though close behind a tiger. Fear is useful here when it sharpens attention rather than scattering the mind. Maintain reverence at every step; sustained caution carries the undertaking through to a fortunate conclusion.
Fifth line · the ruler · yang, nine
Firm authority enables decisive action, but the very confidence of the position conceals danger. Even a correct purpose does not remove the hazards of acting alone. Remain steadfast without becoming absolute; allow careful scrutiny to accompany every command and every irreversible step.
Top line · the end · yang, nine
Look back over the path actually taken and examine what its consequences reveal. Good intentions alone cannot settle the judgment. When conduct has remained coherent from beginning to end, and its fruits confirm its worth, the completed course brings great good fortune.