Seventeenth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Following

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the seventeenth hexagram of the I Ching, Sui (隨), which symbolizes 'Following' or 'Adaptation'. It represents lake over thunder, like joyful waters flowing in response to thunder's call, emphasizing joyful adaptation, timely following of the right influences, and the natural progression of change without force. The hexagram statement is: "Sui: Following. Primal truth. If one is sincere, It furthers one to bring even a small offering. In the end, good fortune."

 

The line interpretations in the I Ching can be abstract and hard to remember. So, today, I've woven the six lines into an ancient tale to make them come alive. Read the story to absorb the meanings, and then in the breakdowns, I'll quote relevant parts of the story and add annotations from the I Ching original with sources. This way, you'll easily recall the lessons of each line!

Ancient Tale: 'The Thunder's Echo, Flows of Adaptation'

Once upon a time, by a rippling lake stirred by distant thunder, a young disciple learned the art of following from his master. Primal truth guided him: sincere adaptation, even in small offerings, led to good fortune. At the outset, he followed the strong horse's lead, advancing without regret as the path opened naturally.

Turning back to follow the weak, he found good fortune in yielding to the flow, like water seeking its level.

If one followed a one-eyed man or a lame horse, misfortune arose from misplaced trust, as the journey faltered.

Following a mature virgin, he sought union but found separation; he followed further, and in time, good fortune came through patient adaptation.

With sincere confidence, he followed the good-hearted, his offerings accepted, leading to supreme good fortune in their bond.

At the end, he bound his wings, cast away his horn bow, and followed the kingly path without regrets, finding peace in true adaptation.

How did you like the tale? Hope it was engaging! Now, let's break down each line based on the story. For each, I'll quote the matching part and annotate with the I Ching source. This connects the wisdom directly to the narrative for better recall!

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

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First Line (Initial Nine): The standard is changing. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out of the door in company produces deeds.

This line advises adapting to changing standards through persistence, leading to fruitful actions. Matching part in the tale: "At the outset, he followed the strong horse's lead, advancing without regret as the path opened naturally." This symbolizes proactive following in flux. Annotation: I Ching Sui hexagram first line: "The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject following one who has the standard for following. There will be good fortune. To go forward (in such a case) will involve no error."

Second Line (Nine in the Second Place): If one clings to the little boy, One loses the strong man.

This line suggests yielding to the weaker path for eventual good fortune. Matching part in the tale: "Turning back to follow the weak, he found good fortune in yielding to the flow, like water seeking its level." Gentle adaptation balances. Annotation: I Ching Sui hexagram second line: "The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject following one who is weak. There will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing yielding to the weaker path for good fortune, representing Sui hexagram second line: balanced yielding, flowing lake scene with thunder, soft greens and silvers for gentle flow."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): If one clings to the one-eyed man, One loses the real people. If one follows him, the path is dark.

This line warns of following flawed guides, leading to isolation and misfortune. Matching part in the tale: "If one followed a one-eyed man or a lame horse, misfortune arose from misplaced trust, as the journey faltered." Flawed following blinds. Annotation: I Ching Sui hexagram third line: "The third SIX, divided, shows its subject following one who is not a real leader. If he be firm and correct, there will be evil. Even if he be firm and correct, the way will be dark and difficult."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating following a one-eyed man leading to dark misfortune, embodying Sui hexagram third line: flawed guidance, shadowed path by lake with thunder, muted grays and reds for isolation."

Fourth Line (Nine in the Fourth Place): He follows a middle man; He is humiliated.

This line indicates seeking union with the immature, leading to separation but eventual good fortune through perseverance. Matching part in the tale: "Following a mature virgin, he sought union but found separation; he followed further, and in time, good fortune came through patient adaptation." Immature bonds test patience. Annotation: I Ching Sui hexagram fourth line: "The fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject following one in the prime of life. If he be firm and correct, there will be evil. If he follow one who is firm and correct, there will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying following a mature virgin leading to separation but good fortune in perseverance, symbolizing Sui hexagram fourth line: patient union, transitional lake scene, warm oranges fading to calm blues for adaptation."

Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place): Sincere in the good. Good fortune.

This line represents confident, sincere following of the virtuous, yielding supreme success. Matching part in the tale: "With sincere confidence, he followed the good-hearted, his offerings accepted, leading to supreme good fortune in their bond." Virtuous sincerity excels. Annotation: I Ching Sui hexagram fifth line: "The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject with sincerity in the good. Good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing sincere following of the good-hearted for supreme good fortune, representing Sui hexagram fifth line: virtuous confidence, bonded gathering by rippling lake, vibrant golds and greens for success."

Top Line (Six at the Top): He meets his lord. If he binds his wings, casts away his horn bow: He finds no cause for misfortune.

This line advises surrendering attachments to follow higher truth without regret. Matching part in the tale: "At the end, he bound his wings, cast away his horn bow, and followed the kingly path without regrets, finding peace in true adaptation." Surrendered following frees. Annotation: I Ching Sui hexagram top line: "The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject following the prince. He meets with firm severity and is not believed. If he follow one who is firm and correct, there will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting binding wings and casting bow to follow without misfortune, symbolizing Sui hexagram sixth line: surrendered adaptation, climactic lake and thunder scene, luminous purples and silvers for release."

This blog should make the six lines of Sui hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~