Lü - Hexagram 56

Line 06

Top Nine

A bird burns its nest. The traveler first laughs and later cries out and wails. Losing the ox too easily. Misfortune.

Commentary

With the traveler at the top, the meaning is burning. Losing the ox too easily means that in the end no one hears of it.

Line 05

Six in the Fifth

Shooting a pheasant, one arrow is lost. In the end, there is praise and appointment.

Commentary

In the end there is praise and appointment because it reaches upward.

Line 04

Nine in the Fourth

The traveler has a place to stay and gains goods and an axe. My heart is not pleased.

Commentary

Having a place to stay means the position is not yet gained. Gaining goods and an axe means the heart is not yet pleased.

Line 03

Nine in the Third

The traveler burns down the lodging and loses the young servant's loyalty. Danger.

Commentary

Burning the lodging means one is injured by it as well. In travel, aligning with those below means loss in principle.

Line 02

Six in the Second

The traveler comes to lodging, keeps the goods close, and gains the young servant's loyalty.

Commentary

Gaining the young servant's loyalty means that in the end there is no fault.

Line 01

Initial Six

The traveler fusses over trifles. By this, disaster is brought on.

Commentary

The traveler fussing over trifles means the intention is exhausted, and that is disaster.

56. Lü