Treading (Lǚ)

Judgment

履虎尾，不咥人，亨。

Plain Meaning：Treading on the tiger’s tail—it does not bite; caution and propriety bring success.

Image (Great Commentary)

上天下泽，履；君子以辨上下，定民志。

Line Texts

• 初九素履，往无咎。

  Simple conduct—going forward, no blame.

• 九二履道坦坦，幽人贞吉。

  The way is level; the quiet, steadfast one has fortune.

• 六三眇能视，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人，凶。武人为于大君。

  One-eyed straining to see, lame forcing to walk—treading the tiger’s tail, bitten; misfortune.

• 九四履虎尾，愬愬，终吉。

  Treading the tiger’s tail with wary caution—ends in fortune.

• 九五夬履，贞厉。

  Resolute treading—steadfast, yet danger remains.

• 上九视履考祥，其旋元吉。

  Review your conduct and examine the signs; full circle brings supreme fortune.

Symbolism

Heaven above, lake below: conduct with propriety and care.

Life Lesson

In danger, act with propriety and caution to turn peril into safety.

Modern Application

Dealing with the powerful or risky ground: propriety keeps you safe; recklessness invites harm.

Words of Caution

Overreaching on dangerous ground gets you bitten.