Difficulty at the Beginning
"New growth is fragile. Do not rush. Seek helpers and establish order."
The Judgment
Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers.
Original Text
元亨利贞。勿用有攸往。利建侯。
The Image
Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man brings order out of confusion.
Original Text
云雷屯，君子以经纶。
The Lines
Nine at the Beginning初九
"Hesitation. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers."
Do not force your way. Establish a firm base and seek support.
Original: 磐桓，利居贞，利建侯。
Six at the Place 2六二
"Difficulty piles up. Horse and wagon part. Not a robber, but a suitor. The maiden is chaste, does not pledge herself. Ten years later she pledges."
You are faced with difficulties. Wait for the right time; do not accept the first offer.
Original: 屯如邅如，乘马班如。匪寇婚媾，女子贞不字，十年乃字。
Six at the Place 3六三
"One hunts deer without the forester. One only loses the way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs and desists. To go on brings humiliation."
Do not pursue a goal without guidance. It is better to give up than to get lost.
Original: 即鹿无虞，惟入于林中。君子几不如舍，往吝。
Six at the Place 4六四
"Horse and wagon part. Seek union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further."
Accept help when it is offered. Unity brings success.
Original: 乘马班如，求婚媾，往吉，无不利。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune."
Do not try to do too much. Focus on small, gradual improvements.
Original: 屯其膏，小贞吉，大贞凶。
Six at the Top上六
"Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow."
You have become isolated and overwhelmed. The time for action has passed.
Original: 乘马班如，泣血涟如。