Dun
Judgment
遯 亨 小利貞
It will prosper, it is a little bit beneficial.
Interpretation
The Dun hexagram has Qian (Heaven) in the upper trigram and Kan (Mountain) in the lower trigram. The image of the Dun hexagram is a mountain below heaven. Heaven represents the court or government, and the mountain represents the wise person. To have a mountain beneath heaven means that a wise person is beneath the court, not in it. It indicates that the sage is in seclusion, hidden away, as if in retirement from the world. Dun means "to hide."
In the commentary, Hyeong (meaning "to pass through") suggests that when the sage is in seclusion and the base elements are chaotic, it will be favorable to retreat. Whatever question is being asked, it will be somewhat beneficial, though only a little.
For someone who receives this hexagram, it indicates that this is a time of darkness or difficulty, and it is advisable to distance oneself from the world and retreat. With heaven above and mountain below, it is a time when wise people are hidden, and the base or less virtuous elements are gaining power. In such a time when the world is chaotic and your fortune is waning, it is wise not to assert yourself. Do not try to compete or push forward with plans. Instead, retreat and wait for a more favorable time in the future. By withdrawing, success will come later. Whatever question is being asked, it will bring only a little benefit, so be cautious and patient.
初六 遯尾,厲,勿用有攸往
Initial Six: Retreating to the tail, dangerous, do not go forward.
'Dun' means to flee, and 'Twi' means to hide. 'Dunmi' means to flee while tucking one's tail between their legs. A defeated soldier from the Gana kingdom is fleeing in haste after a heavy loss, which signals danger. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where they are caught in a desperate situation. The matter inquired about will be precarious, and the person should refrain from taking action.
六二 執之用黃牛之革,莫之勝說
Six Second: Holding it with the yellow ox hide, no victory in the explanation.
The character "House" refers to binding, and "Gee" means to capture. The situation described involves a soldier who captures an enemy and binds them with strong leather ropes. The person drawing this hexagram is in a situation where they are bound by circumstances and may face difficulty in freeing themselves. The work they are asking about will be hindered by external forces.
九三 係遯,有疾厲.畜臣妾吉
Nine Third: Retiring, with illness, dangerous. Raise the servants and concubines, good fortune.
The term "Gye" means to bind. "Dun" refers to a soldier who runs away. "Gye Dun" means to catch and bind the runaway. "Chuk" means to raise, referring to a sheep. "Sin Cheop" refers to slaves—male slaves are called "Sin," and female slaves are called "Cheop."
九四 好遯,君子吉,小人否
Nine Fourth: Good retreat, the gentleman is fortunate, the small person fails.
The retreat of the lower-ranking individuals leads to the resolution of the conflict for those in command. The higher-ranking individual will find success and conclusion, but the lower-ranking ones will face significant obstacles as they attempt to deal with the fleeing soldiers.
九五 嘉遯,貞吉
Nine Fifth: Excellent retreat, firm, good fortune.
Gana’s soldiers splendidly escape the enemy’s pursuit without a trace, leaving them unharmed. The task at hand will be auspicious, as you evade danger splendidly and remain safe.
上九 肥遯,无不利
Top Nine: Fat retreat, no disadvantage.
Gana’s soldiers soar away from pursuit, escaping unharmed with boundless benefit. The task at hand ensures safety as you flee like a bird, reaping limitless advantage.