Hexagram 10: Treading
Careful conduct, proper behavior
| Chinese | 履 (Lǚ) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☰ Heaven — The Creative (Metal) |
| Lower trigram | ☱ Lake — The Joyous (Metal) |
| Keywords | conduct, propriety, caution, sincerity |
| Opposite | Hexagram 15: Modesty |
| Inverted | Hexagram 9: Small Taming |
What does Hexagram 10 (Treading) mean?
Treading 履 (Lǚ) is hexagram 10 of the I Ching, formed by Heaven (The Creative) over Lake (The Joyous). Its theme is careful conduct, proper behavior, with key ideas of conduct, propriety, caution, sincerity. The Judgment reads: “Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.”
The Judgment of Treading
Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.
The Image of Treading
Heaven above, the lake below.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 10
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“Simple conduct. Progress without blame.”
Acting with unaffected simplicity keeps one out of entanglement. Straightforwardness on an uncertain path is safe.
Nine in the second place
“Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man brings good fortune.”
The quiet, self-sufficient person avoids the pitfalls of ambition and social complexity.
Six in the third place
“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.”
Attempting what exceeds one's actual capacity invites serious harm. Courage without competence is recklessness.
Nine in the fourth place
“He treads on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection lead ultimately to good fortune.”
The danger is real but manageable with careful, alert conduct. Stay fully present and avoid careless steps.
Nine in the fifth place
“Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger.”
Decisive action is needed, but it must be tempered by clear awareness of the risks involved.
Nine at the top
“Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs. When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes.”
Review the entire path of action before concluding. Careful assessment of results brings the highest confirmation of success.
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