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Retreat

遯 (Dùn)

Hexagram #33

Hexagram Structure

Yin Line

Yang Line

Upper Trigram

Heaven

Lower Trigram

Mountain

Core Essence

Keywords

withdrawalstrategic retreatsolitudetiming

Meaning

Represents the wisdom of strategic withdrawal and the power of solitude.

Guidance

Sometimes retreat is the wisest strategy. Withdraw gracefully when necessary.

Classical Texts

Judgment

Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.

遯：亨，小利贞。

Image

Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, not angrily but with reserve.

天下有山，遯；君子以远小人，不恶而严。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Retreat hexagram teaches us the wisdom of timely withdrawal. 'Dun' means retreat or withdrawal, but not escape - rather strategic retreat. Fan Li's story of retiring after success embodies the wisdom of the Dun hexagram. The Dun hexagram teaches us: those who know when to advance and retreat are outstanding; sometimes stepping back is for better progress. We must learn to let go at the right time.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Heaven Lower Trigram: Mountain **Judgment Analysis:** Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers. 遯：亨，小利贞。 **Image Wisdom:** Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, not angrily but with reserve. 天下有山，遯；君子以远小人，不恶而严。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Retreat can guide us: • Sometimes retreat is the wisest strategy. Withdraw gracefully when necessary. • Keywords: withdrawal, strategic retreat, solitude, timing • Core Concept: Represents the wisdom of strategic withdrawal and the power of solitude.

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