10. Cautious Advance to 52. Keeping Still

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, dynamic, shows its subject treading his accustomed path. If he go forward, there will be no error. Line one is a dynamic line in a dynamic place, giving us the idea of activity, firmness and correctness. One so characterized will act rightly.

2. Line 2

   The second line, dynamic, shows its subject treading a path that is level and easy -- a quiet and solitary man, to whom, if he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune. Line two occupies the middle of the trigram, which symbolizes a path cut straight and level along a hillside or over difficult terrain. Since the fifth line is not his proper correlate, he is portrayed as a quiet and solitary man.

3. Line 3

   The third line, magnetic, shows a one-eyed man who thinks he can see; a lame man who thinks he can walk well; one who treads on the tail of the tiger and is bitten. All this indicates ill fortune. We have a mere bravo acting the part of a great ruler. Line three is neither central nor in a magnetic place, which would be proper to it. But with the strength of will which the occupant of a dynamic place should possess, he goes forward with the evil results cited. The editors of the imperial edition, in illustration of the closing sentence, refer to Analects VII, x.

4. Line 4

   The fourth line, dynamic, shows its subject treading on the tail of a tiger. He becomes full of apprehensive caution, and in the end there will be good fortune. Line four is dynamic in a magnetic place just below the ruler in line five. He recognizes his weak position and walks with care.

5. Line 5

   The fifth line, dynamic, shows the resolute tread of its subject. Though he be firm and correct, there will be peril. Beneath the symbolism under line five lies the principle that humility is the better part of propriety. Line five, who is dynamic and central, will not be lacking in this, but bear in mind that the higher he is exalted, the greater may be his fall.

The present judgment

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 later judgment

When his repose is like the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard and does not see the people, there will be no error.

What the move asks

Proceed with caution and restraint, recognizing that stability is maintained by pausing to assess the path rather than rushing forward.

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