䷉ Stepping lǚ
Core Meaning
The 'Stepping' hexagram emphasizes cautious action and adherence to etiquette. Stepping on a tiger's tail without being bitten is key to being extremely careful. Heaven is above and Lake is below, symbolizing the order of superiority and inferiority. The superior person should distinguish between high and low and stabilize the will of the people, clarifying their position and code of conduct.
The Judgment
Stepping on the tail of a tiger, it does not bite a person. Success.
Interpretation:
The Hexagram "Stepping" symbolizes cautious action. It is like stepping on the tail of a tiger, yet not being bitten. Success.
The Image
Heaven above, Lake below: Stepping. The superior person discriminates between high and low, and thereby stabilizes the will of the people.
Structure
Heaven above, Lake below, with Heaven on top and Lake below. Qian (Heaven) represents the sovereign and firmness, Dui (Lake) represents joy and harmony, symbolizing reverent service to elders with a joyful heart.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Nine: Simple conduct. Going forward, there will be no blame.
Nine in the second place: Treading the path is level and smooth. The recluse is steadfast and fortunate.
Six in the third place: A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can walk. He steps on the tail of a tiger, and it bites him. Misfortune. A warrior acts on behalf of a great ruler.
Nine in the fourth place: He steps on the tail of a tiger. He is full of apprehension, but in the end there is good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place: Resolute treading. Perseverance brings danger.
Top Nine: Look at your conduct and examine the omens. When the return is excellent, there is great good fortune.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In the workplace, be cautious in dealing with superiors and subordinates. 'Simple conduct' means maintaining pure character. 'Treading the path is level and smooth' indicates being down-to-earth. 'Full of apprehension, but in the end there is good fortune' reminds one to be fearful and cautious when facing authority. 'Resolute treading, perseverance brings danger' warns against being too decisive and aggressive; one must uphold the correct path.
❤️ Relationships
The way of getting along lies in把握分寸 (grasping the right measure). 'Distinguish between high and low' means clarifying boundaries and roles. 'A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can walk' warns that if one with insufficient ability insists on acting strong, it will lead to disaster. Be sincere and unadorned like in 'simple conduct,' and interact openly and honestly like in 'treading the path is level and smooth.'
🎯 Decision Making
The current situation is like stepping on a tiger's tail, requiring extreme caution. 'Look at your conduct and examine the omens' tells us to repeatedly consider and review. Do not be impatient or aggressive like in 'resolute treading.' 'When the return is excellent, there is great good fortune' means that only by rethinking and reflecting can great good fortune be obtained.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is overestimating one's abilities. 'A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can walk, and it bites him, misfortune' means that if one with insufficient ability takes risks, disaster will surely follow. Discern the situation; when caution is needed, it must be exercised. However, one cannot be too timid; 'A warrior acts on behalf of a great ruler' implies having the courage to take responsibility.
Applicable Scenarios
The Stepping hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
According to the Records of the Grand Historian, Zhang Liang met Huangshi Gong in Xiapi. The old man deliberately threw his shoe down the bridge and asked Zhang Liang to pick it up and put it on for him. Although Zhang Liang was a nobleman, he was able to be humbly 'simple in conduct' and 'tread the path level and smooth' without shame. Huangshi Gong saw that he could distinguish between high and low and adhere to etiquette, so he taught him military strategies. This embodies the 'Stepping' hexagram: acting cautiously in front of respected elders eventually leads to 'looking at one's conduct and examining the omens, and when the return is excellent, there is great good fortune.'
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Stepping hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: