I Ching Hexagram 56:Lǚ(Traveling)

The Meaning of “Travel” and the Wisdom of the “Travel Hexagram”

In Chinese, the term lǚ (旅) refers to being a guest or traveler in a foreign land. The lǚ hexagram, which is composed of the gèn (艮) and lí (离) hexagrams, offers valuable insights on how to navigate life when away from home.

When analyzing the hexagram’s imagery, we see that gèn represents a mountain, while lí symbolizes fire. The fire spreads across the mountain, moving with the wind and consuming the vegetation, only to eventually move on once the fuel is burned up. This dynamic mirrors the experience of being a guest in a foreign land, where, like the fire, you are eventually bound to return home after your time has come. The key to thriving while away lies in the practice of gentleness, not force.

Travel. Minor Success. Traveling Virtuously Brings Good Fortune.

In the lǚ hexagram, the sixth line (representing the higher or outer aspect) has a soft, yielding quality placed in the middle position, following the principle of combining softness with strength. This suggests that while one is traveling, adhering to a gentle approach is essential. However, the second line, which is also soft, does not correspond with the sixth line due to a lack of mutual resonance, and thus only minor success can be achieved. The text of the hexagram, xiǎo héng (小亨), indicates that during travels, one’s progress will be modest—temporary at best.

This illustrates that being a guest in a foreign land is never a permanent solution. The experience of unfamiliar surroundings and people can cause frequent missteps, leading to difficulties and setbacks. Therefore, during one’s time away, xiǎo héng represents a state of limited but steady progress, not grand success.

However, regardless of the size of success, the underlying principle of “the way” remains constant. The idea of yuán héng (元亨) suggests that there is a greater benefit in staying true to the righteous path, but even the small benefit of xiǎo héng is not to be dismissed. It reminds us that even in modest achievements, maintaining one’s integrity and path is key to good fortune.

When abroad, one must follow local customs and adapt to the ways of the host country. This will prevent unnecessary conflicts and frustrations, and will allow things to go more smoothly. This is the essence of xiǎo héng—minor but steady progress through adaptability and patience.

A Lesson from Animal Behavior

From the perspective of animal behavior, self-preservation is an instinct. Animals that are territorial, like dogs, show intense aggression when within their domain. However, when outside their familiar territory, they tend to retreat or defend rather than confront directly. This behavior parallels the wisdom of the lǚ hexagram—when in a foreign land, it’s wise to use gentleness and avoid force, as this helps ensure safety and survival.

In short, when traveling or residing in a foreign place, be flexible, gentle, and respectful of the local culture. By doing so, one can navigate the challenges and enjoy a peaceful journey, much like the fire on the mountain that eventually burns out and moves on, leaving no harm behind.

First Line

Minor Troubles and the Perils of Petty Concerns

The first line of the lǚ (旅) hexagram speaks of suǒ suǒ (琐琐), a term that refers to small, trivial things. The chū liù (初六) line represents a soft, yielding energy positioned at the very bottom of the hexagram, far from its ideal placement. It is a time of weakness and immaturity, yet the individual here attempts to use rigidity and force where they should not. This line symbolically describes someone who is lost and trapped during their travels, akin to a small-minded person who gets bogged down by insignificant details. They are so focused on petty concerns that their own downfall is inevitable.

The individual in this line is caught in a struggle, and despite being aligned with the jiǔ sì (九四) line, which is strong and active, there’s no way for the strength of the upper line to help resolve the troubles of the lower line. Jiǔ sì represents an upward, fiery force, while lí (离), the fire hexagram, is oriented upward. Thus, the fire cannot descend to help; instead, it burns bright and moves onward, leaving the troubled soul to flounder in their predicament.

Example Analysis: This line illustrates the plight of individuals who, much like rural youth who leave their villages for the city in search of work, often find themselves in over their heads. Young people, full of energy but lacking experience, are particularly vulnerable when they lack a support system. If they act rashly, focusing on trivial issues, disaster follows swiftly. A recent case in Taiwan involved a group of rural youths who, upon discovering their carburetor had been stolen, set fire to a hotel in a fit of rage. The result was a tragedy, with twelve lives lost—an unfortunate demonstration of the line’s warning.

Second Line

Safe Harbor and the Blessings of Support

The second line of the lǚ hexagram speaks of cì (次), which refers to a temporary resting place or inn, and zī (资), which denotes resources or wealth. The liù èr (六二) line, represented by a soft, yielding energy in the middle of the lower hexagram, is in a harmonious position. It exemplifies the virtue of being gentle yet steadfast—qualities that allow one to live well during their travels.

The liù èr line embodies the ideal traveler’s path: one who is flexible and adheres to the principle of moderation. This line is able to receive help from others due to its yielding nature, and its decisions are wise, balanced, and appropriate for the situation. In the journey of life, this position ensures that the traveler is supported and well-provided for, surrounded by loyal companions and resources. The line also reminds us that true success in travel lies in maintaining balance, rather than striving for aggression or overreach.

Example Analysis: As the saying goes, “At home, one relies on parents; when traveling, one relies on friends.” In the context of travel, friends are indispensable, offering both a place to stay and material support. In ancient times, travelers often relied on servants or attendants to assist with their journey. Today, friends play a similar role, helping with companionship, advice, and practical needs. When traveling, it’s crucial to adopt a gentle and flexible approach toward others, as forcefulness can drive away those who offer their assistance. Those who act with kindness and patience will find their way smoother and their troubles fewer.

Line Three

The Dangers of Arrogance and Overconfidence

The jiǔ sān (九三) line in the lǚ (旅) hexagram is represented by a strong, rigid energy in a dominant position. However, its placement is flawed: it does not align with the middle or harmonious positions of the second and fifth lines. As a result, this line is unable to maintain the balance and grace necessary for successful travel. Positioned at the top of the gèn (艮) hexagram—symbolizing a mountain peak—this line reflects an individual who is overly proud and self-assured. In the context of traveling, where humility and gentleness are key virtues, the jiǔ sān line completely contradicts the principle of lǚ.

Because of this arrogance, the individual in this line inevitably offends those in positions of power, leading to a disastrous outcome—such as the destruction of their lodging or travel accommodations. The lí (离) hexagram, which represents fire, brings the image of a flame that consumes everything in its path. Similarly, the individual’s overwhelming strength and harshness lead to the loss of loyal support, resulting in the loss of companions and personal resources. In this case, danger and misfortune inevitably follow.

Moreover, only the second and third lines of the hexagram mention cì (次), the symbol for an inn or temporary lodging. This is because both of these lines are in their ideal positions and embody the quality of having a safe and comfortable place to stay.

Example Analysis: The lesson of the jiǔ sān line can be illustrated with the example of a diplomat on a foreign mission. Diplomats must engage in negotiations and discussions with the host country’s government, and their success lies in their ability to approach these situations with tact and flexibility. A diplomat who is arrogant or believes they are superior to others is doomed to failure. Their efforts will not only fall apart, but they may even spark international conflicts. Similarly, a diplomat alone in a foreign land must maintain the trust and support of their subordinates and the local community. If they are too harsh or dictatorial, they risk losing the support they need to carry out their duties. Only through humility and wisdom, following the principles of the lǚ hexagram, can they achieve success.

Line Four

A Misplaced Talent and Unfulfilled Potential

The jiǔ sì (九四) line speaks of a person who is temporarily residing in a foreign land. Chù (处) refers to a long-term place of residence, zī (资) denotes resources or capabilities, and fǔ (斧) represents an important tool or weapon. This line describes someone who possesses great strength and potential but is currently unable to fully express their abilities. The individual has the skill to wield the gentle and harmonious approach, but due to their current position—low and in the阴 (yin) or receptive area of the hexagram—they are unable to truly shine or use their talents to their full advantage. Their talents are recognized, yet they are frustrated by their lack of opportunity.

Example Analysis: A fitting example is the early life of Liu Bei, the legendary figure in Chinese history. Born into humble circumstances, Liu Bei initially sought refuge with Cao Cao in order to build a foundation for future success. As a guest in Cao Cao’s territory, Liu Bei had to exercise caution and humility, avoiding showing too much ambition or pride. In the famous “Wine and Heroes” story, when Cao Cao remarks that the only true heroes in the land are himself and Liu Bei, Liu Bei pretends to be startled by the thunder, concealing his own aspirations to avoid drawing attention or envy. Like the individual in the jiǔ sì line, Liu Bei had the talent and potential for greatness but had to bide his time and wait for the right moment to rise to power.

In essence, both lines reflect the importance of humility and restraint in foreign lands. Whether it’s avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance or patiently awaiting the right opportunity to showcase one’s abilities, the key to success lies in following the soft, adaptable path of the lǚ hexagram.

Line Five

The Precision of Civilized Conduct

In the lǚ (旅) hexagram, the liù wǔ (六五) line presents a striking image: shè zhì (射雉), or “shooting the pheasant.” The phrase yù (誉) refers to a good reputation, and mìng (命) means fortune or blessings. This line represents a person who possesses the ideal balance of strength and gentleness, placed in the center of the upper hexagram. This harmony allows the individual to apply civilized, graceful conduct while still maintaining the ability to deal with strength when needed.

The image of “shooting the pheasant” is symbolic: just as a skilled archer shoots an arrow and hits the target with precision, so too does the person in this line successfully align themselves with the path of civility and wisdom. Although there may be a small cost in resources (like the use of arrows), the effort is not wasted. In the end, the individual gains a stellar reputation and enjoys the rewards of fortune.

The liù wǔ line represents someone who follows the middle path and uses gentleness to complement their strength, which is the key to thriving in a foreign land. By earning the trust of peers and receiving favor from superiors, they gain not only a good name but also the blessings of success. It’s important to note that in the Yì Jīng (易经), when a line states “zhōng jí” (终吉), it implies that although the beginning may not be smooth, the end result will be beneficial.

Example Analysis: A perfect historical example is the story of the Eastern Han dynasty diplomat and military strategist, Bān Chāo (班超), who lived from 32-102 AD. Early in life, he rejected a modest career as a minor clerk and chose instead to join the military. In military life, obedience and humility are paramount, yet when facing the enemy, strength must be shown. Bān Chāo exemplified this balance with courage and strategic brilliance, earning his reputation by successfully infiltrating enemy territories, symbolized by the phrase “entering the tiger’s den and obtaining the tiger’s cub.” He built his reputation, gained the loyalty of his troops, and secured several key military victories. His achievements earned him promotions, and ultimately, he was honored as Dìng Yuǎn Hóu (定远侯), the Marquis of Dingyuan, a title that bestowed upon him influence in the Western Regions for decades. His career illustrates the success that comes from maintaining the balance of strength and humility.

Line Six

The Perils of Overconfidence and Losing the Path

The shàng jiǔ (上九) line is the highest point of the hexagram, and its imagery speaks of a bird whose nest is burned. Niú (牛), the ox, represents gentleness, and suàng niú yú yì (丧牛于易), or “losing the ox easily,” symbolizes the loss of the gentle nature. The individual in this line is represented by a strong, dynamic force, placed at the pinnacle of the hexagram and above the lí (离) hexagram, which symbolizes fire. Fire’s natural tendency is to rise, and this line suggests an overly ambitious, self-assured individual who burns with an excessive, almost arrogant energy.

The shàng jiǔ traveler, like a bird soaring high, is so consumed with pride that they ignore the importance of humility. At first, they laugh, feeling superior. But when their nest is burned and they lose their safe haven, they lament their fate with great sorrow. This line warns against losing the gentle qualities that are necessary for successful travel—especially when placed in a position of power. In the case of the shàng jiǔ line, arrogance leads to a harsh fall from grace.

Example Analysis: Historically, colonial rulers often combined both soft and hard tactics to maintain control over their colonies. However, if a ruler relies solely on force—acting like a bird that flies high, arrogantly looking down on others without understanding the importance of gentleness—they risk sparking resistance. Colonized peoples, oppressed by harsh methods, will inevitably rise in revolt, challenging the imperial powers. What was once seen as superiority and security will crumble, exactly as described in the shàng jiǔ line: “The traveler laughs first, then cries out, losing their ox easily, bringing misfortune.” The once-dominant rulers are overthrown and lose their place, just as predicted by the hexagram.

Conclusion: The key takeaway from these lines is the critical balance between strength and humility, especially when navigating unfamiliar territories. Whether you are a diplomat, a soldier, or simply someone venturing into a new phase of life, maintaining respect, gentleness, and a balanced approach will ensure that you not only avoid disaster but also find success and fulfillment.