䷠ Retreat dùn
Core Meaning
The Retreat hexagram reveals the wisdom of withdrawing. True withdrawal is not weak escape, but a wise choice made after assessing the situation. Like the high heavens not competing with the mountains, a gentleman keeps distance from mean people without engaging in conflict. The Retreat hexagram emphasizes: withdrawal must be timely and decisive; 'retreating at the tail' with hesitation leads to danger. The will must be firm, like a 'yellow ox's hide' that cannot be untied. Attachments must be differentiated; big matters should be avoided, small matters can be managed. The attitude should be acceptant and joyful; a 'happy retreat' is possible for the gentleman. The resolve must be righteous and firm; 'admirable retreat, perseverance brings good fortune' means holding to the right path. The state of being should be detached and aloof; a 'fat retreat' means flying high without worries. Retreat is not an eternal withdrawal, but a strategic retreat for better advancement. Modern society is full of competition; knowing when to retreat shows even greater wisdom: leaving unsuitable environments, staying away from harmful relationships, avoiding pointless arguments.
The Judgment
Success. Small benefit in perseverance.
Interpretation:
The hexagram of Retreat symbolizes success. It is beneficial for the weak and yielding to adhere to the righteous path. Retreat is not about escape, but a wise choice in adapting to the times.
The Image
Under Heaven is a Mountain; the gentleman uses this to keep distance from mean people, neither hating nor being strict.
Structure
The hexagram of Retreat has Gen (Mountain) below and Qian (Heaven) above, forming the image of Heaven over Mountain. No matter how high the mountain, it cannot reach the sky; the sky seems to retreat, which is the image of 'Dùn' (Retreat). The upper trigram Qian represents strength, and the lower trigram Gen represents stopping; strong yet knowing when to stop, this is a wise retreat. The yin lines are gradually growing, and the yang lines are about to retreat; mean people are gaining power, so the gentleman should retreat. The Retreat hexagram is not passive escape, but an active choice to 'act in accordance with the times.' Like the high heavens not competing with the mountains; like a gentleman keeping distance from mean people, neither hating nor being strict. Taking a step back opens up a wider sky, avoiding conflict temporarily to await opportunity. The Retreat hexagram teaches: prudence is not weakness, but discerning the timing is wisdom.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: Retreating at the tail. Danger. Do not attempt to go anywhere.
Six in the second place: Hold it firm with a yellow ox's hide; no one can untie it.
Nine in the third place: Tied retreat. There is sickness and danger. Keeping servants and concubines bodes well.
Nine in the fourth place: Happy retreat. The gentleman prospers; the mean person does not.
Nine in the fifth place: Admirable retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Top nine: Fat retreat. Nothing that is not beneficial.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In the workplace, one must understand the way of advance and retreat; not every battle is worth fighting. When mean people are rampant or the environment is hostile, one must decisively choose to withdraw. The greatest fear is to 'retreat at the tail,' hesitating and missing opportunities, thus falling into difficulties. When retreating, one must have a firm will like a 'yellow ox's hide,' not being swayed by external temptations. If there are ties that prevent complete withdrawal, then only deal with minor matters, 'keeping servants and concubines bodes well,' do not force major issues. A gentleman should 'happily retreat' with acceptance, but a mean person struggles to do so. The truly wise practice 'admirable retreat,' withdrawing with the right attitude and adhering to principles. The best state is 'fat retreat,' gracefully leaving without worries, leaving greater room for the future.
❤️ Relationships
In relationships, one must also understand yielding and distance. When encountering an unsuitable relationship, one must decisively 'retreat' from it; procrastination will only lead to greater danger. If one decides to stay, one must have the firmness of a 'yellow ox's hide,' not easily swayed. Sometimes it's difficult to completely break off contact, so maintain appropriate distance and do not get entangled in important matters. 'Keep distance from mean people, neither hating nor being strict,' maintain distance without burning bridges. Truly loving someone sometimes requires yielding, giving each other space; 'happy retreat' is wisdom. Retreat in a relationship is not giving up, but a strategic retreat for advancement. But if one has grown weary, one should 'fat retreat' and leave decisively, without regrets.
🎯 Decision Making
When making decisions, one must be good at judging the situation; retreat when appropriate. Do not wait until 'retreating at the tail' when forced to withdraw; proactive retreat allows one to take the initiative. Once the decision to retreat is made, one must have a firm will, not wavering repeatedly. If there are factors that must be considered, then compromise on minor matters, but major principles cannot be conceded. When retreating, the attitude should be positive and optimistic, a 'happy retreat' rather than a pessimistic one. Adhere to correct values, 'admirable retreat, perseverance brings good fortune.' The highest state is to achieve 'fat retreat,' choosing decisively without hesitation or worries. Remember: retreat is for better advancement, temporary withdrawal is for long-term progress.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The biggest warning of the Retreat hexagram is not to hesitate or waver. The danger of 'retreating at the tail' lies in untimely withdrawal, leading to passive struggle. But also, do not give up lightly; without the firm will of a 'yellow ox's hide,' one is prone to changing plans frequently. 'Tied retreat' with attachments is human nature, but one must distinguish priorities; major issues must be handled decisively. A gentleman can 'happily retreat,' but a mean person cannot; avoid a mean-spirited mindset. Avoid vacillation and indecision when retreating, as this prevents both successful retreat and advance. Be vigilant: failing to retreat when necessary leads to difficulties, repeatedly wavering after retreating leads to loss of position, and feeling resentful or complaining when retreating. True retreat is detached and firm, knowing when to retreat without losing dignity.
Applicable Scenarios
The Retreat hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Zhang Liang's successful retreat is a classic example of the Retreat hexagram. After helping Liu Bang establish the Han dynasty, Zhang Liang was keenly aware of the principle 'when the cunning rabbit is dead, the hounds are cooked.' He 'acted in accordance with the times,' discerning the situation and choosing to retreat. 'Keeping distance from mean people, neither hating nor being strict,' he distanced himself from court power struggles while maintaining dignity. Han Xin did not understand the wisdom of 'retreat,' 'retreating at the tail' with hesitation, and was ultimately killed. Zhang Liang, however, practiced 'admirable retreat, perseverance brings good fortune,' resigning from his official post on the grounds of illness, 'claiming to study Taoist practices for immortality.' This was not the reluctant 'tied retreat' but the detached 'fat retreat.' Liu Bang wanted to keep him, but Zhang Liang was as firm as a 'yellow ox's hide,' unshakable. Eventually, 'fat retreat, nothing that is not beneficial,' preserving his life and family. This is precisely the wisdom of the Retreat hexagram: achieving success and then withdrawing, preserving oneself wisely, assessing the situation, and making a good beginning and end.
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 Retreat 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: