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Following

随 (Suí)

Hexagram #17

Hexagram Structure

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

Upper Trigram

Lake

Lower Trigram

Thunder

Core Essence

Keywords

followingadaptationflexibilitytiming

Meaning

Represents the wisdom of knowing when to lead and when to follow.

Guidance

Learn to adapt and follow when appropriate. Flexibility brings success.

Classical Texts

Judgment

Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.

随：元亨利贞，无咎。

Image

Thunder in the middle of the lake: the image of Following. Thus the superior man at nightfall goes within for rest and recuperation.

泽中有雷，随；君子以向晦入宴息。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Following hexagram emphasizes the wisdom of adapting to circumstances. 'Sui' means to follow or adapt, but not blind obedience - rather wise choice. Confucius said 'The superior man is guided by the mean,' emphasizing making correct judgments according to circumstances. During the Warring States period, Zhang Yi's horizontal alliance and Su Qin's vertical alliance both embodied the political wisdom of the Sui hexagram. The Sui hexagram teaches us: we must learn to assess situations, find opportunities in change, having both principles and flexibility.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Lake Lower Trigram: Thunder **Judgment Analysis:** Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame. 随：元亨利贞，无咎。 **Image Wisdom:** Thunder in the middle of the lake: the image of Following. Thus the superior man at nightfall goes within for rest and recuperation. 泽中有雷，随；君子以向晦入宴息。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Following can guide us: • Learn to adapt and follow when appropriate. Flexibility brings success. • Keywords: following, adaptation, flexibility, timing • Core Concept: Represents the wisdom of knowing when to lead and when to follow.

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