Hexagram 10 · Lǚ ䷉

Lu (Treading): Treading on a tiger's tail, it does not bite the person. Success.

Nine at the beginning: Treading simply. Going forth brings no blame.

Nine in the second place: Treading a broad, level road; steadfastness brings good fortune to one in seclusion.

Six in the third place: One-eyed, yet able to see; lame, yet able to walk. Treading on a tiger's tail, one is bitten. Misfortune. A warrior acts as a great ruler.

Nine in the fourth place: Treading on a tiger's tail, one trembles, but finds good fortune in the end.

Nine in the fifth place: Resolute treading. Steadfastness brings danger.

Nine at the top: Observe the steps and examine the signs; returning in a full circle brings supreme good fortune.

The Judgment Commentary says: In Lu, the yielding treads upon the firm. Joyfully responding to Qian (Heaven), it treads on the tiger's tail without being bitten: success, and steadfastness is favorable. Firm, central and upright, it treads the ruler's seat without guilt; its light shines brightly.

The Image Commentary says: Heaven above, lake below: Lu. Thus the noble person distinguishes high from low and settles the people's purposes.

Treading simply and going forth: alone he follows his wish.

Steadfast good fortune for one in seclusion: the center is not troubled from within.

One-eyed yet able to see: not enough for clear vision. Lame yet able to walk: not enough to keep pace with others. Being bitten brings misfortune because the position is not fitting. A warrior acts as a great ruler: his purpose is firm.

Trembling, yet finding good fortune in the end: the will advances.

Resolute treading, steadfastness brings danger: the position is upright and fitting.

Supreme good fortune at the top: there is great cause for celebration.

Lu (Treading): Tread on a tiger's tail; it does not bite you. Success.

Nine at the beginning: Walk simply. Going forward brings no blame.

Nine in the second place: Walk along a smooth, level road. For the person living in seclusion, staying steady brings good fortune.

Six in the third place: Someone with poor eyesight tries to see; someone with a limp tries to walk. Tread on a tiger's tail and it bites you. Misfortune. A soldier acts as a great ruler.

Nine in the fourth place: Tread on a tiger's tail. Stay fearful and careful, and in the end there is good fortune.

Nine in the fifth place: Walk with firm resolve. Staying steady is dangerous.

Nine at the top: Look back over how you have walked and examine the signs. If you return to the beginning, supreme good fortune.

The Judgment Commentary says: In Lu, the yielding treads on the firm. It is joyful and responds to Qian (Heaven). This is why one can tread on a tiger's tail without being bitten: success, and staying steady is favorable. The firm line is centered and upright, and it occupies the ruler's position without fault. It is bright and clear.

The Image Commentary says: Heaven above and a lake below: this is Lu. The noble person therefore distinguishes high and low positions and steadies the people's aims.

Walking simply onward means carrying out one's own wish alone.

The person living in seclusion has good fortune through staying steady because he does not let his inner balance be disturbed.

Poor eyesight is not enough to see clearly. A limp is not enough to walk with others. Being bitten brings misfortune because the position is improper. A soldier acting as a great ruler shows a forceful ambition.

Staying fearful and careful brings good fortune in the end because one's aim is put into practice.

Walking with firm resolve makes staying steady dangerous, even though the position is proper.

Supreme good fortune at the top brings a great blessing.