Sui (Following)

䷐ Sui (Following) — Zhen below, Dui above

The Book of Changes

The Hexagram of Sui: Supreme success. Favorable to be steadfast and correct. No blame.

The first nine: The official residence undergoes change. Perseverance brings good fortune. Going out and associating with others will achieve merit.

The second six: Holding fast to the younger son, but losing the elder husband.

The third six: Holding fast to the elder husband, but losing the younger son. Following, if there is a seeking, gain will be obtained. It is fitting to abide in steadfast correctness.

The fourth nine: Following yet gaining something. Perseverance brings danger. With sincerity and truthfulness, acting in accord with the Way, and thus exercising clear discernment—what blame could there be?

The fifth nine: Sincerity in what is excellent and good. Good fortune.

The top six: Arresting and binding him, then further tying him with cords. The king performs a sacrifice on the Western Mountain.

The Commentary on the Judgment:

In Sui, the firm comes and places itself under the soft. There is movement and, through it, joy. This is following. Great success and freedom from blame through steadfast correctness—thus all things under heaven follow the timely trend. How great is the meaning of the timely occasion in following!

The Commentary on the Symbol:

Thunder within the midst of a marsh—this is the image of Sui. The superior man, in accordance with this, at the approach of evening goes indoors for rest.

“The official residence undergoes change” indicates that following the correct path brings good fortune. “Going out and associating with others will achieve merit” indicates that nothing will be lost.

“Holding fast to the younger son” indicates that one cannot attend to both at the same time.

“Holding fast to the elder husband” indicates that the intention abandons those who are inferior.

“Following yet gaining something”—its principle is dangerous. “With sincerity and truthfulness, acting in accord with the Way” indicates the merit of clear discernment.

“Sincerity in what is excellent and good, good fortune” because the position is central.

“Arresting and binding him” indicates that the one in the high position has fallen into difficulty and exhaustion.