Hexagram 17: Following
Adaptability, going with the flow
| Chinese | 隨 (Suí) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☱ Lake — The Joyous (Metal) |
| Lower trigram | ☳ Thunder — The Arousing (Wood) |
| Keywords | following, adaptability, flexibility, sincerity |
| Opposite | Hexagram 18: Work on the Decayed |
| Inverted | Hexagram 18: Work on the Decayed |
What does Hexagram 17 (Following) mean?
Following 隨 (Suí) is hexagram 17 of the I Ching, formed by Lake (The Joyous) over Thunder (The Arousing). Its theme is adaptability, going with the flow, with key ideas of following, adaptability, flexibility, sincerity. The Judgment reads: “Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers.”
The Judgment of Following
Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers.
The Image of Following
Thunder in the middle of the lake.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 17
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“The standard is changing. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out of the door in company produces deeds.”
Adapting to new leadership or new conditions sets a successful course. Going forward with others rather than alone is effective.
Six in the second place
“If one clings to the little boy, one loses the strong man.”
Choosing the trivial over the substantial forfeits real opportunity. Examine what you follow and what you release.
Six in the third place
“If one clings to the strong man, one loses the little boy. Following finds what it seeks. It furthers one to remain persevering.”
Aligning with the worthy means letting go of the comfortable but small. Perseverance confirms the correct choice.
Nine in the fourth place
“Following creates success. Perseverance brings misfortune. To go one's way with sincerity brings clarity. How could there be blame in this?”
When following one's own truth, clinging to the results of following can become a trap. Act from sincerity, not attachment to outcome.
Nine in the fifth place
“Sincere in the good. Good fortune.”
Following what is genuinely good — not merely convenient — is the highest expression of adaptability.
Six at the top
“He meets with firm allegiance and is still further bound. The king introduces him to the Western Mountain.”
The exceptional person is drawn into lasting service to something greater than themselves. This ultimate following is an honour.
Will Following answer your question?
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