Hexagram 17
•
隨 (Suí)
•
Suí
Following
Following (隨 (Suí)): Upper Lake, Lower Thunder. Spontaneous following yields great success. Joyful adaptability without compromising integrity.
Upper Trigram
Lake
Lower Trigram
Thunder
⚖ The Judgment
Spontaneous following yields great success. Joyful adaptability without compromising integrity.
✧ The Image
Thunder sleeps in the lake; the noble person retires to rest at eventide.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 17 (Following / 隨 (Suí)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Lake above and Thunder below. It teaches that wisdom arises from understanding seasonal transitions and adhering to moral constancy.
The Six Changing Lines
- 1 Line 1: Beginning phase of Following; observe quiet reserve.
- 2 Line 2: Inner equilibrium aligned with virtuous company.
- 3 Line 3: Transition point; rash action invites complication.
- 4 Line 4: Deep breakthrough; sincerity dissipates lingering doubts.
- 5 Line 5: Central sovereign seat; radiant integrity guides the collective.
- 6 Line 6: Culmination and apex; beware hubris as the cycle turns.