I Ching hexagram
10. Cautious Advance
履Lǚ
Heaven over Lake
Also called Treading, Conduct, The Symbol of Stepping Carefully, Proper Conduct, Cautious Treading, Proceeding Cautiously, Watch Your Step, Proceed at Your Own Risk, Advancing With Care "Illustrates the difference between courage and foolhardiness." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 10, Cautious Advance (履 Lǚ) is formed by Heaven over Lake. It is also known as Treading, Conduct, The Symbol of Stepping Carefully, Proper Conduct, Cautious Treading, Proceeding Cautiously, Watch Your Step, Proceed at Your Own Risk.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
履虎尾，不咥人，亨。
Cautious Advance suggests the idea of one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yang
素履，往无咎。
Advance towards your goals by adhering to your fundamental values. Avoid manipulating others beyond nurturing friendly relationships, and don’t become beholden to anyone. Keeping your actions simple will help you avoid mistakes and promote progress.
- Line 2Yang
履道坦坦，幽人貞吉。
Cultivate an atmosphere of humility and restraint. Don’t have high expectations or demands. Steer clear of getting wrapped up in others' aspirations or overly lofty ambitions. This will lead to favorable outcomes.
- Line 3Yin
眇能視，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人，凶。武人為于大君。
Your aspirations may be too ambitious for your current capabilities. Acting impulsively could lead to disastrous results. Such behavior is better suited for someone willing to sacrifice for a greater cause.
- Line 4Yang
履虎尾，愬愬，終吉。
You can take on risky endeavors if you proceed with caution.
- Line 5Yang
夬履，貞厲。
What you're planning is indeed risky, but acknowledging this danger will empower you to succeed. Commitment to your endeavor is crucial; if you lack genuine dedication, it might be time to reassess your direction.
- Line 6Yang
視履考祥，其旋元吉。
Reflect on what your actions have accomplished so far. If you are on the right track, the positive results will confirm it. Now is the moment to reevaluate your goals, as looking back may illuminate the path forward.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 10 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.