Difficulty at the Beginning (Zhūn)

Judgment

屯：元，亨，利，贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。

Plain Meaning：Sprouting amid hardship: do not rush forward; it profits to establish a foundation.

Image (Great Commentary)

云雷，屯；君子以经纶。

Line Texts

• 初九磐桓，利居贞，利建侯。

  Hesitation—remain steadfast and establish your base.

• 六二屯如邅如，乘马班如。匪寇婚媾，女子贞不字，十年乃字。

  Beset and turning back; not robbers but suitors—patience yields union in time.

• 六三即鹿无虞，惟入于林中，君子几不如舍，往吝。

  Chasing deer without a guide into the forest—better to desist; going on brings regret.

• 六四乘马班如，求婚媾，往吉，无不利。

  After hesitation, go to seek union—good fortune, nothing without benefit.

• 九五屯其膏，小贞吉，大贞凶。

  Bounty hard to bestow—small steadfastness is lucky, great ambition is dangerous.

• 上六乘马班如，泣血涟如。

  Riders turn back, weeping blood—dire straits demand a change.

Symbolism

Clouds and thunder: the hard, chaotic birth of new things.

Life Lesson

Beginnings are hard—gather strength and allies; do not rush.

Modern Application

Early-stage ventures and relationships: build foundations and find partners; avoid overreach.

Words of Caution

Pursuit without preparation only leads astray.