Retreat (Dùn)

Judgment

遁：亨，小利贞。

Plain Meaning：Retreat: success; small gains through correctness—withdraw in time to avoid harm.

Image (Great Commentary)

天下有山，遁；君子以远小人，不恶而严。

Line Texts

• 初六遁尾，厉，勿用有攸往。

  The tail in retreat—danger; do not go anywhere.

• 六二执之用黄牛之革，莫之胜说。

  Held fast as by yellow ox-hide—none can loosen the bond.

• 九三系遁，有疾厉，畜臣妾吉。

  Retreat entangled by ties—perilous; fit only for small domestic matters.

• 九四好遁，君子吉，小人否。

  Retreating despite attachment—fortune for the noble, failure for the petty.

• 九五嘉遁，贞吉。

  A fine, timely retreat—steadfast fortune.

• 上九肥遁，无不利。

  Ample retreat, free of all ties—nothing that does not further.

Symbolism

A mountain under heaven: timely, dignified withdrawal.

Life Lesson

Retreat wisely to preserve integrity and strength for later.

Modern Application

When conditions sour, exit decisively and distance the petty without enmity.

Words of Caution

Retreating too late traps you in danger.