Thirty-Third Hexagram : The Wisdom of Retreat

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the thirty-third hexagram of the I Ching, Dun (遯), which symbolizes 'Retreat' or 'Withdrawal'. It represents heaven over mountain, like heaven withdrawing upward from the mountain, emphasizing strategic retreat in the face of overwhelming forces, preserving strength, and using small perseverance to navigate unfavorable times. The hexagram statement is: "Dun: Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers."

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 Heaven's Withdrawal, Strategic Ascent'

Once upon a time, as heaven withdrew from the towering mountain, signaling a time of retreat, a wise general faced an overwhelming enemy army. Success came from retreating strategically, with perseverance in small matters to preserve his forces. At the tail end of the retreat, danger lurked as stragglers were pursued; one must not undertake rash actions to avoid capture.

He held his position fast with yellow oxhide ropes, binding his troops to prevent desertion; no one could tear loose this firm resolve.

A halted retreat due to lamed soldiers afflicted misfortune; but by caring for and nourishing the inferiors, good fortune came to the compassionate leader.

Voluntary retreat brought good fortune to the superior general as he withdrew gracefully; the inferior officers could not achieve this, trapped in their pride.

In admirable retreat, perseverance brought good fortune as he executed the withdrawal with dignity and timing.

At last, cheerful retreat furthered everything, his lighthearted ascent preserving joy and strength for future advances.

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

출처 : 위스크AI

First Line (Initial Six): At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake something.

This line warns of peril at the rear of retreat, advising against any action to avoid worsening danger. Matching part in the tale: "At the tail end of the retreat, danger lurked as stragglers were pursued; one must not undertake rash actions to avoid capture." This symbolizes avoiding engagement when vulnerable.

 

Annotation: I Ching Dun hexagram first line: "At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake something."

Second Line (Six in the Second Place): Holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose.

This line suggests firmly binding to prevent loss, unyielding in retreat. Matching part in the tale: "He held his position fast with yellow oxhide ropes, binding his troops to prevent desertion; no one could tear loose this firm resolve." Firm binding preserves. Annotation: I Ching Dun hexagram second line: "Holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing holding fast with yellow oxhide no tearing loose, representing Dun hexagram second line: unyielding resolve, binding troops scene on mountain heaven, earthy tones with yellow accents for firmness."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): A halted, lamed retreat afflicts him with misfortune. If he cares for and nourishes inferiors, good fortune comes.

This line cautions against delayed retreat causing harm, but nurturing subordinates brings success. Matching part in the tale: "A halted retreat due to lamed soldiers afflicted misfortune; but by caring for and nourishing the inferiors, good fortune came to the compassionate leader." Nurturing saves halted. Annotation: I Ching Dun hexagram third line: "A halted, lamed retreat afflicts him with misfortune. If he cares for and nourishes inferiors, good fortune comes."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating halted lamed retreat misfortune but nourishing inferiors good fortune, embodying Dun hexagram third line: compassionate care, lamed soldiers scene heaven mountain, muted browns and greens for affliction to fortune."

Fourth Line (Nine in the Fourth Place): Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man. The inferior man cannot achieve this.

This line emphasizes graceful withdrawal succeeding for the wise, but failing for the petty. Matching part in the tale: "Voluntary retreat brought good fortune to the superior general as he withdrew gracefully; the inferior officers could not achieve this, trapped in their pride." Graceful wise retreats. Annotation: I Ching Dun hexagram fourth line: "Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man. The inferior man cannot achieve this."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying voluntary retreat good for superior misfortune for inferior, symbolizing Dun hexagram fourth line: graceful withdrawal, general retreat scene mountain under heaven, serene blues and golds for wisdom."

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place): Admirable retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.

This line represents dignified, persistent retreat yielding positive results. Matching part in the tale: "In admirable retreat, perseverance brought good fortune as he executed the withdrawal with dignity and timing." Dignified perseverance succeeds. Annotation: I Ching Dun hexagram fifth line: "Admirable retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing admirable retreat perseverance good fortune with dignity, representing Dun hexagram fifth line: timed execution, withdrawal scene with heaven over mountain, vibrant yellows and purples for admiration."

Top Line (Nine at the Top): Cheerful retreat. Everything furthers.

This line indicates lighthearted withdrawal benefiting all endeavors. Matching part in the tale: "At last, cheerful retreat furthered everything, his lighthearted ascent preserving joy and strength for future advances." Cheerful ascent furthers. Annotation: I Ching Dun hexagram top line: "Cheerful retreat. Everything furthers."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting cheerful retreat furthering everything preserving joy, symbolizing Dun hexagram sixth line: lighthearted preservation, ascent scene mountain under heaven, luminous oranges and whites for cheer."

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