10. Cautious Advance to 63. Completion

Changing lines

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Line 6

   The sixth line, dynamic, tells us to look at the whole course that is trodden, and examine the presage which that gives. If it be complete and without failure, there will be great good fortune. What is said of line six is good, but is only a truism. The whole course has been shown. If every step has been right and appropriate, the issue will be very good.

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

Completion intimates progress and success in small matters. There is advantage in firm correctness. There had been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

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