Hexagram 10 · 履 · Lǚ
Treading
- Element:
- Lake over Heaven
- Key themes:
- caution, conduct, respect, discretion, progress
Image
Treading carefully on a path, symbolizing the need for caution, respect, and proper conduct.
Overall message
Hexagram 10 represents the importance of careful and respectful conduct. It emphasizes the need for caution, respect, and mindfulness in all actions. Success comes from treading carefully and acting with integrity and consideration for others.
Proceed with caution and respect. Be mindful of your actions and their consequences. Success comes from careful and respectful conduct.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. (Lî suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.
Image. (The trigram representing) the sky above, and below it (that representing the waters of) a marsh, form Lî. The superior man, in accordance with this, discriminates between high and low, and gives settlement to the aims of the people.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Reviewing Conduct
The journey is complete. Review your conduct and learn from the experience.
Reflect on your actions and their outcomes. Use this knowledge to improve future conduct.
Line 5 · Firm and Decisive
Firm and decisive action is needed, but it must be done with respect and caution.
Be decisive, but ensure your actions are respectful and well-considered.
Line 4 · Treading with Respect
Respectful and careful conduct leads to success.
Show respect and consideration in all your actions. Success will come from proper conduct.
Line 3 · Caution in Danger
Danger is present, and caution is necessary to avoid harm.
Be extra cautious and avoid risky actions. Stay alert and mindful.
Line 2 · Treading Smoothly
Progress is smooth when one treads with care and respect.
Maintain a respectful and cautious approach. Smooth progress will follow.
Line 1 · Simple Conduct
The beginning of a journey. Simple and straightforward conduct is best.
Act with simplicity and honesty. Avoid unnecessary complications.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 15 · 谦 · Qiān. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 37 · 家人 · Jiā Rén. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 6 · 讼 · Sòng
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 25 · 无妄 · Wú Wàng
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 1 · 乾 · Qián
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 61 · 中孚 · Zhōng Fú
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 38 · 睽 · Kuí
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 58 · 兑 · Duì