Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 随 (Suí) |
| English Name | Following / Adaptation |
| Trigrams | Lake over Thunder (兑上震下) |
| Number | 17 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Thunder in the middle of the lake: the image of Following. Thus the superior man at nightfall goes indoors for rest and recuperation.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | The standard is changed. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out creates merit. No blame. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六二 | 2nd | If one clings to the small boy, one loses the strong man. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六三 | 3rd | If one clings to the strong man, one loses the small boy. Through following one finds what one seeks. It furthers one to remain persevering. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九四 | 4th | Following creates success. Perseverance brings misfortune. To be sincere and to walk in the path brings clarity. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
| 九五 | 5th | Sincere in the good. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上六 | Top | He meets with firm allegiance and is still further bound. The king introduces him to the Western Mountain. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Knowing when to follow and adapt; strength in flexibility
- Upper trigram Lake (joyous and open) over lower trigram Thunder (arousing and energizing)
- Embodies the qualities of following, adaptation, flexibility and service, rest, renewal
Keywords
FollowingAdaptationFlexibilityServiceRestRenewal
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Knowing when to follow and adapt; strength in flexibility Channel the energy of following and adaptation for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on flexibility to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels following and adaptation. The Lake trigram above suggests joyous and open energy in your outer dealings, while the Thunder trigram below points to arousing and energizing foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on mouth and respiratory and liver and feet. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody following and adaptation. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes flexibility and service. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate following in all your actions
- Practice adaptation consistently
- Embrace flexibility as your guiding principle
- Develop service through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of rest
- Abandon renewal under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 18. Gǔ (蛊) | Work on Decayed — renovation after following |
| 25. Wú Wàng (无妄) | Innocence — following natural impulses |
| 53. Jiàn (渐) | Development — gradual following of nature |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “Should I follow my mentor's unconventional advice?”
You received Hexagram 17, Following. The judgment says: 'Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame....' Knowing when to follow and adapt; strength in flexibility This is a favorable sign. The energy of following supports your intention. Move forward with flexibility, but remain mindful of proper timing.