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Treading

履 (Lǚ)

Hexagram #10

Hexagram Structure

6
Yang Line
5
Yang Line
4
Yin Line
3
Yang Line
2
Yang Line
1
Yang Line

Upper Trigram

Heaven

Lower Trigram

Lake

Core Essence

Keywords

conductproprietycareful actionrespect

Meaning

Represents careful conduct and proper behavior in delicate situations.

Guidance

Proceed with caution and respect. Proper conduct will ensure success.

Classical Texts

Judgment

Treading. Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.

履：履虎尾，不咥人，亨。

Image

Heaven above, the lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.

上天下泽，履；君子以辨上下，定民志。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Treading hexagram teaches us how to maintain caution in danger. 'Treading on the tiger's tail, it does not bite the man, success' means stepping on a tiger's tail without being bitten requires great wisdom and courage. During the Spring and Autumn period, Lin Xiangru's story of returning the jade intact to Zhao embodies the spirit of the Lu hexagram - remaining calm in the face of powerful enemies and resolving crises with wisdom. The Lu hexagram reminds us: when facing difficulties, we need courage but more importantly wisdom; only by acting cautiously can we turn danger into safety.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Heaven Lower Trigram: Lake **Judgment Analysis:** Treading. Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success. 履：履虎尾，不咥人，亨。 **Image Wisdom:** Heaven above, the lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the thinking of the people. 上天下泽，履；君子以辨上下，定民志。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Treading can guide us: • Proceed with caution and respect. Proper conduct will ensure success. • Keywords: conduct, propriety, careful action, respect • Core Concept: Represents careful conduct and proper behavior in delicate situations.

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