FREE I CHING READINGS

33

Tun / Retreat

The power of the dark is ascending. The light retreats to

security, so that the dark cannot encroach upon it. This

retreat is a matter not of man's will but of natural law.

Therefore in this case withdrawal is proper; it is the correct

way to behave in order not to exhaust one's forces. (1)

In the calendar this hexagram is linked with the sixth month

(July-August), in which the forces of winter are already

showing their influence.

THE JUDGMENT

RETREAT. Success.

In what is small, perseverance furthers.

Conditions are such that the hostile forces favored by the time are

advancing. In this case retreat is the right course, and it is not to be

confused with flight. Flight means saving oneself under any

circumstances, whereas retreat is a sign of strength. We must be careful

not to miss the right moment while we are in full possession of power

and position.

Then we shall be able to interpret the signs of the time

before it is too late and to prepare for provisional retreat instead of

being drawn into a desperate life-and-death struggle. Thus we do not

simply abandon the field to the opponent; we make it difficult for him to

advance by showing perseverance in single acts of resistance. In this way

we prepare, while retreating, for the counter-movement. Understanding

the laws of a constructive retreat of this sort is not easy. The meaning

that lies hidden in such a time is important.

Some factors, in certain circumstances, don't leave another alternative

more than retreating. Retreat means to become behind, not to continue

or insist. The retreat should be carried out in the precise moment. The

retreat allows keeping the own image, without losing it. The retreat also

means to go to the background, not to be outstanding.

THE IMAGE

Mountain under heaven: the image of RETREAT.

Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance,

Not angrily but with reserve.

The mountain rises up under heaven, but owing to its nature it finally

comes to a stop. Heaven on the other hand retreats upward before it into

the distance and remains out of reach. This symbolizes the behavior of

the superior man toward a climbing inferior; he retreats into his own

thoughts as the inferior man comes forward. He does not hate him, for

hatred is a form of subjective involvement by which we are bound to the

hated object. The superior man shows strength (heaven) in that he brings

the inferior man to a standstill (mountain) by his dignified reserve.

The inferior man will stop at certain point, when he reaches the maximum

of his capabilities. The superior man only would retreat from these lower

places. The highest goals are inaccessible for those whose nature is

not properly prepared; thus the inferior one wouldn't reach the superior

man.

THE LINES

Six at the beginning means:

At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous.

One must not wish to undertake anything.

Since the hexagram is the picture of something that is retreating, the

lowest line represents the tail and the top line the head. In a retreat it is

advantageous to be at the front. Here one is at the back, in immediate

contact with the pursuing enemy. This is dangerous, and under such

circumstances it is not advisable to undertake anything. Keeping still is

the easiest way of escaping from the threatening danger.

The most convenient thing would be to stop. The danger has come and

this is not time for a retreat. The conflict must be faced, and it should not

give the back to it.

In another interpretation level, the tail in retreat gives the idea of not

overcoming conflicts that come from the past.

Six in the second place means:

He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.

No one can tear him loose.

Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates that which is correct and

in line with duty. Oxhide is strong and not to be torn.

While the superior men retreat and the inferior press after them, the

inferior man represented here holds on so firmly and tightly to the

superior man that the latter cannot shake him off. And because he is in

quest of what is right and is so strong in purpose, he reaches his goal. (2)

Thus the line confirms what is said in the Judgment: "In what is small"

--here equivalent to "in the inferior man"-- "perseverance furthers."

Yellow represents what is balanced and exact. The ox leather

represents the strength; therefore, leather of yellow ox means what will

stay firmly in the right way. This means that the posture is overwhelming

and his zeal is strong.

Nine in the third place means:

A halted retreat

Is nerve-wracking and dangerous.

To retain people as men- and maidservants

Brings good fortune.

When it is time to retreat it is both unpleasant and dangerous to be held

back, because then one no longer has freedom of action. In such a case

the only expedient is to take into one's service, so to speak, those who

refuse to let one go, so that one may at least keep one's initiative and not

fall helplessly under their domination. But even with this expedient the

situation is far from satisfactory --for what can one hope to accomplish

with such servants?

The halted retreat is not only uncomfortable, but also rather dangerous,

because of the anguish and the risk. The convenient thing at this

moment will be to make some type of concession towards who hinders

the retreat. This is symbolized by retaining them as if they were servants.

In another analysis level, halted retreat also means a lack of freedom

This lack of freedom may be the result of external or internal factors,

and about the last ones, Wang Bi says that to be so attached to a place

can be good for a servant, but not for a superior man, as this is the way

to misfortune and humiliation.

Nine in the fourth place means::

Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man

And downfall to the inferior man.

In retreating the superior man is intent on taking his departure willingly

and in all friendliness. He easily adjusts his mind to retreat, because in

retreating he does not have to do violence to his convictions. The only

one who suffers is the inferior man from whom he retreats, who will

degenerate when deprived of the guidance of the superior man.

A superior man can develop his virtue where he goes and he will be the

same one in any place or circumstance. On the contrary, the vulgar man

is not qualified to facing new circumstances without help.

Nine in the fifth place means::

Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.

It is the business of the superior man to recognize in time that the

moment for retreat has come. If the right moment is chosen, the retreat

can be carried out within the forms of perfect friendliness, without the

necessity of disagreeable discussions. Yet, for all the observance of

amenities, absolute firmness of decision is necessary if one is not to be

led astray by irrelevant considerations.

Friendly retreat means the most convenient way to retreat; it implies not

to give place to the conflicts. To retire in a friendly way is to leave an

open door; it is not to lose a connection point that can be necessary in

the future.

Nine at the top means:

Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.

The situation is unequivocal. Inner detachment has become an

established fact, and we are at liberty to depart. When one sees the way

ahead thus clearly, free of all doubt, a cheerful mood sets in, and one

chooses what is right without further thought. Such a clear path ahead

always leads to the good.

This person has a spirit of non-attachment that gives freedom to his life

and puts him beyond reach of inferior people.

(1) The idea expressed by this hexagram is similar to that in the saying of

Jesus: "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil" (Matt. 5:39).

(2) A similar idea is suggested in the story of Jacob's battle with the angel

of Peniel: "I will not let thee go, except you bless me" (Gen. 32:26).