Retreat
"Mountain under heaven. Keep the inferior person at a distance, not with anger but with dignity."
The Judgment
Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
Original Text
亨，小利贞。
The Image
Mountain under heaven: The image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, not angrily but with reserve.
Original Text
天下有山，遯；君子以远小人，不恶而严。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything."
It is too late to act. Keep still.
Original: 遯尾，厉，勿用有攸往。
Six at the Place 2六二
"He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose."
Hold on to what is right with firm determination.
Original: 执之用黄牛之革，莫之胜说。
Nine at the Place 3九三
"A halted retreat is nerve-wracking and dangerous. To retain people as men- and maidservants brings good fortune."
If you cannot retreat completely, ensure you have support to handle daily matters.
Original: 系遯，有疾厉，畜臣妾吉。
Nine at the Place 4九四
"Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man and downfall to the inferior man."
Leaving desires behind frees the superior man.
Original: 好遯，君子吉，小人否。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune."
Retreating with grace allows for a later return.
Original: 嘉遯，贞吉。
Nine at the Top上九
"Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further."
Complete detachment brings true freedom.
Original: 肥遯，无不利。