I Ching Hexagrams:Tun Trigram（䷂）

Tun (Difficulty at the Beginning). “Success. Perseverance brings benefits. Do not take rash action. Favorable to establish leadership.”

At the outset of any endeavor, challenges are inevitable, yet they carry the seeds of great potential. As the saying goes, “The hardest part is getting started.” By adhering to righteousness and maintaining moral integrity, one can safely navigate this period of difficulty.

In this phase, the strong (Yang) is overshadowed by the weak (Yin)—the first Yang line (Initial Nine) is surrounded by the Yin lines (Second and Third Six), and the fifth Yang line is hemmed in by Yin lines (Fourth and Top Six). It is therefore unwise to act rashly or venture forward without preparation.

To establish something significant, one must adopt humility, respect talent, and uplift capable individuals—those with wisdom, decisiveness, and bravery—to form a solid foundation. With patience and the right timing, one can overcome these initial hardships and achieve success.

Historical Example
During the chaotic late Eastern Han dynasty, warlords vied for power. Amid this turmoil, Cao Cao, driven by great ambition, sought to build a lasting legacy. Upholding the Han dynasty’s legitimacy, he demonstrated humility and valued talent over lineage or wealth. His forces were bolstered by exceptional generals and brilliant strategists who supported his campaigns to unify the North. Had Cao Cao ignored the principles of “Perseverance, avoid reckless action, and establish leadership,” and acted impulsively like Yuan Shao, he would not have succeeded in his monumental achievements.

The Initial Nine
“Hesitating yet persevering. Favorable to remain steadfast and to establish leadership.”

The term “hesitating” refers to lingering in a state of difficulty, unable to advance easily. The Tun hexagram represents the beginning of interaction between Heaven (Qian) and Earth (Kun), with a single Yang line entering the bottom of Kun, forming the Initial Nine position of Tun. As the leading line of the hexagram, the Initial Nine holds a pivotal role, but it is situated at the very start of the cycle and lacks the conditions for overcoming adversity.

Although it is a Yang line in a Yang position and has a corresponding relationship with the Fourth Six, it remains in a phase of oscillation—moving forward and backward, unable to progress steadily. At this point, the best approach is to stay calm, remain steadfast, and avoid rushing into action.

Wait for the Right Moment
To achieve success during difficult times, one must wait for the right opportunity, follow the principles of integrity, and approach situations with humility. Social status and rank should not matter; instead, one should draw close to virtuous and respected individuals, win public support, and recruit capable talents. When the time comes to act, success will naturally follow.

Historical Example
In the Warring States period, the tradition of cultivating talented individuals was widespread. Lord Xinling of Wei (?-243 BCE) was a nobleman known for respecting and valuing people of all backgrounds. When Zhao was under siege, Lord Xinling wanted to intervene but faced obstacles. His guest strategist Hou Ying devised a bold plan: assassinate the Wei general, seize the military seal, and lead the troops to rescue Zhao. With the help of Hou Ying, a former gatekeeper, and Zhu Hai, a butcher, Lord Xinling achieved a remarkable victory.

Although Lord Xinling’s achievements relied heavily on the support of these individuals, his long-standing humility and respect for talented people were the real reasons for his success and enduring reputation.

The Second Six
“Difficulties and hesitation. Mounted and ready, but the path is unclear. Not forced by enemies; harmony may still be achieved. A union will form after ten years.”

The word “zhan” (澶) indicates difficulty in progressing, while “ru” (如) is a modal particle expressing uncertainty. The imagery of “mounted horses” signifies the desire to advance, while “ban” (班) refers to scattered or disordered movement.

In the hexagram, the Second Six occupies a Yin position within Zhen (the hexagram of movement), corresponding to the Ninth Five above, representing a desire to move upward. However, the Second Six sits atop the Initial Nine, forming a reversed relationship.

Amid hardship, the Second Six hesitates, poised to move yet held back. Unless directly forced by external pressures (symbolized by the Initial Nine as a foe), the Second Six may align with the Ninth Five, forming a union of harmony. Remaining steadfast in principles and avoiding improper compromises with the Initial Nine will eventually lead to breaking through the challenges and achieving harmony with the Ninth Five—a union after a complete cycle (symbolized by “ten years”).

Wisdom in Restraint: Avoiding Reckless Pursuits

Historical Example
During the Three Kingdoms period, Xu Shu was a trusted advisor to Liu Bei, and the two shared a deep rapport. However, Cao Cao coerced Xu Shu to leave Liu Bei by holding Xu’s mother hostage. Despite joining Cao Cao’s camp, Xu Shu refrained from offering any strategic advice that could harm Liu Bei, preserving his integrity and earning a lasting legacy of honor.

The Third Six
“Chasing the deer without a guide, one ends up lost in the forest. A wise person recognizes the signs and knows when to let go. Proceeding recklessly leads to regret.”

The term “chasing” refers to the pursuit, while “guide” refers to the assistants (in ancient hunts, guides would drive animals out of hiding for the hunters). “Signs” refer to recognizing the early indicators of success or failure.

In the hexagram, the Third Six occupies a Yin position in a Yang line, sitting at the upper level of the lower trigram Zhen (movement), which makes it inherently unstable and impulsive. With a soft and weak nature, it lacks the strength to overcome difficulties or escape danger. Acting rashly, like pursuing a deer without a guide, results only in wandering aimlessly in the woods, unable to resolve the hardship.

A wise person perceives signs of potential outcomes and chooses to let go of unwise pursuits rather than insist on chasing something unattainable. Ignoring these signs and clinging to the chase leads only to disgrace and regret.

Modern Example
Consider a police officer pursuing a highly elusive criminal mastermind. Without reliable intelligence or clear evidence, acting on pure adrenaline and courage could lead to dangerous and futile efforts. Instead, a strategic approach with thorough preparation, concrete evidence, and detailed plans is necessary for success. The saying, “A wise person recognizes the signs and knows when to let go,” serves as a reminder to avoid recklessness, which could otherwise lead to failure and harm.

Collaborating for Success: Lessons from the Fourth Six and Fifth Nine

The Fourth Six
“Mounted and ready, yet hesitant. Seeking partnership brings fortune. Proceeding this way, nothing is unfavorable.”

The Fourth Six occupies a Yin position and aligns harmoniously with the Ninth Five, a noble and virtuous ruler. However, the Fourth Six’s softness and lack of capability make it insufficient to resolve difficulties alone. It seeks assistance from the Initial Nine, with whom it has a complementary relationship. Together, they can support the Ninth Five in overcoming challenges. The imagery of “seeking partnership” symbolizes collaboration and mutual support, which leads to positive outcomes without adversity.

Modern Example
Imagine a company on the brink of bankruptcy due to poor management. To turn the situation around, it could partner with a financially robust corporation, forming a merger plan to pool resources and expertise. This collaboration not only helps the struggling company survive but also creates opportunities for a fresh start. Similarly, a student struggling with exams can seek help from a well-prepared classmate, studying together to improve their performance. These scenarios illustrate the principle of “seeking partnership brings fortune.”

The Fifth Nine
“Trapped in hardship. Gradual corrections bring fortune, but drastic measures lead to disaster.”

The Fifth Nine occupies a Yang position in the upper hexagram, representing a noble ruler with strong and virtuous qualities. However, during a time of great difficulty, the Ninth Five finds itself trapped in danger and unable to effectively govern. While it possesses potential for greatness, it lacks capable advisors to provide guidance and has limited influence over its subjects. The Initial Nine, representing the people’s loyalty, is the focal point of support, and the Fourth Six aligns with it.

Without the guidance of wise individuals or a gradual and measured approach, the Ninth Five’s actions risk alienating its subjects and worsening the crisis. Therefore, it is critical to apply steady, incremental reforms (“small corrections”) rather than resorting to abrupt or forceful solutions (“drastic measures”), which could lead to unfavorable consequences.

Modern Example
Consider a leader facing widespread unrest within a country. Addressing the grievances through gradual, thoughtful reforms will win public trust and stabilize the situation over time. However, attempting to impose sweeping, rigid policies without addressing root causes could exacerbate tensions and lead to greater chaos. The principle of “small corrections bring fortune” emphasizes the importance of patience and incremental progress.

The Scholar and the Pendant: A Story of Balance and Destiny

Long ago, in the twilight years of the Ming Dynasty, a young scholar named Xu Wei was searching for meaning amidst the chaos. The kingdom was in turmoil, and his once-prosperous family had fallen on hard times. Xu Wei, a man of letters and ideals, often wandered the countryside in solitude, seeking wisdom in the teachings of the Tao.

One evening, while walking through a forest, he stumbled upon a modest Taoist temple. There, under the light of flickering lanterns, an elderly monk sat quietly carving intricate patterns into a brass pendant. The monk looked up and smiled.

“Lost, young one?” the monk asked.

Xu Wei hesitated, then bowed deeply. “I seek guidance. My world is unbalanced, my heart restless. I cannot see a way forward.”

The monk gestured for him to sit. Holding up the pendant, he explained, “This is the Hetu Luo Shu Pendant, inscribed with the wisdom of the ancients. The Yin-Yang Fish teach us that life is a dance of opposites—darkness and light, stillness and motion. The Hetu and Luo Shu patterns remind us that balance isn’t found by avoiding chaos but by embracing it.”

Intrigued, Xu Wei examined the pendant. The cinnabar bead glowed faintly in the dim light, as though it held a spark of life within. The Eight Diagrams shimmered, their meaning tantalizingly just out of reach.

“What must I do to restore balance?” Xu Wei asked.

The monk placed the pendant around Xu Wei’s neck. “Carry this with you. Let its symbols guide your decisions. Seek allies who complement your weaknesses, and remember—patience will serve you better than haste.”

Over the years, Xu Wei lived by the pendant’s teachings. He became a renowned advisor, known for his ability to find solutions even in the darkest times. His wisdom brought peace to fractured communities and stability to his own life. And though he faced countless challenges, Xu Wei always carried the pendant close to his heart—a reminder that harmony was within reach for those willing to seek it.

The Pendant Today

The Brass Cinnabar Hetu Luo Shu Pendant is more than a piece of jewelry—it’s a legacy of wisdom, crafted to help modern wearers navigate life’s complexities. Like Xu Wei, you too can draw strength from its ancient symbols, finding balance in a chaotic world.

Wear it, and let your own story unfold.