Fu (Return)

䷗ Zhen below Kun above

The Book of Changes

The Return Hexagram: Prosperous and smooth. Going out and coming in without illness. Friends come without misfortune. Reverting to its course, in seven days it returns. It is favorable to go somewhere.

First Nine: Not going far before turning back. No great regret. Supreme good fortune.

Second Six: Excellent return. Good fortune.

Third Six: Frequent return. Danger but no calamity.

Fourth Six: Acting in the middle, returning alone.

Fifth Six: Honest and sincere return. No regret.

Top Six: Lost and then returning. Misfortune, calamity. If used for military action, it will ultimately end in great defeat, bringing disaster to the ruler. Misfortune: for ten years, it will not be possible to launch an expedition.

The Commentary on the Judgement

The Return Hexagram indicates prosperity; the firm line returns. Acting, it moves along the natural course. Therefore, going out and coming in without illness, friends come without misfortune. Reverting to its course, in seven days it returns—this is the movement of Heaven. It is favorable to go somewhere because the firm line is growing. Does not the Return hexagram reveal the mind of Heaven and Earth?

The Commentary on the Images

Thunder hidden within the earth: this is the image of Return. Thus the ancient kings closed the passes on the winter solstice, so that merchants and travelers did not pass, and the ruler did not tour the four quarters.

Not going far before turning back: this is to cultivate oneself.

The good fortune of excellent return: it is in accord with virtuous nature.

The danger of frequent return: but from the standpoint of righteousness, there is no calamity.

Acting in the middle and returning alone: it follows the correct path.

The lack of regret in honest return: it is due to centering and self-examination.

The misfortune of lost return: it violates the ruler’s proper way.