I Ching Hexagram 33 - Tun / Retreat

• Above Ch'ien the Creative, Heaven
•  
• Below Ken Keeping Still, Mountain

Introduction

The power of the dark is ascending. The light retreats to security, so that the dark cannot encroach upon it. This retreat is a matter not of man's will but of natural law. Therefore in this case withdrawal is proper; it is the correct way to behave in order not to exhaust one's forces. In the calendar this hexagram is linked with the sixth month (July-August), in which the forces of winter are already showing their influence.

See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.

Judgement

Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.

Judgement Commentary

Conditions are such that the hostile forces favored by the time are advancing. In this case retreat is the right course, and it is not to be confused with flight. Flight means saving oneself under any circumstances, whereas retreat is a sign of strength. We must be careful not to miss the right moment while we are in full possession of power and position. Then we shall be able to interpret the signs of the time before it is too late and to prepare for provisional retreat instead of being drawn into a desperate life-and-death struggle. Thus we do not simple abandon the field to the opponent; we make it difficult for him to advance by showing perseverance in single acts of resistance. In this way we prepare, while retreating, for the counter-movement. Understanding the laws of a constructive retreat of this sort is not easy. The meaning that lies hidden in such a time is important.

The Image

Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, not angrily but with reserve.

Image Commentary

The mountain rises up under heaven, but owing to its nature it finally comes to a stop. Heaven on the other hand retreats upward before it into the distance and remains out of reach. This symbolizes the behavior of the superior man toward a climbing inferior; he retreats into his own thoughts as the inferior man comes forward. He does not hate him, for hatred is a form of subjective involvement by which we are bound to the hated object. The superior man shows strength (heaven) in that he brings the inferior man to a standstill (mountain) by his dignified reserve.

The Lines

Six at the beginning means: At the tail in retreat, this is dangerous, one must not wish to undertake anything.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 13 - T'ung Jen / Fellowship with Men. The rear guard of an army has the job of protecting the main body of a retreating army from attack. This line is facing similar peril. Keep your head down and stay safe. The description Legge gives shows the us "The position is perilous. No movement in any direction should be made." The resultant hexagram 13, Fellowship with Men, tell us that our future safety lies in the company of others.

Six in the second place means: He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 44 - Kou / Coming to Meet. This lines determination of purpose means that his desire is attained despite dangerous circumstances. Legge's version of this line is "...shows its subject holding his purpose fast". The resultant hexagram 44, Coming to Meet, suggests that this determination, whilst good for the individual concerned, may not be so good for the greater good.

Nine in the third place means: A halted retreat is nerve-wracking and dangerous. To retain people as men- and maidservants brings good fortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 12 - P'i / Standstill (Stagnation). To have to employ or associate with those who we are seeking to retreat from seems futile. In some situations there is no other choice. Still this is not a comfortable place to be. How can one trust those who one wishes to flee from? Legge says this lines "...subject allows himself to be entangled and impeded" by those he knows "He is too familiar with them, and they presume, and fetter his movements." The resultant hexagram 12, Standstill, shows that the outcome of this circumstance is not a good nor comfortable one.

Nine in the fourth place means: Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man and downfall to the inferior man.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 53 - Chien / Development (Gradual Progress). To retreat is an acceptable tactic when faced with superior force. Smaller people may find the prospect shameful and unacceptable and suffer the consequences of confronting that which can not be defeated. Legge has it "...shows its subject retiring notwithstanding his likings". The resultant hexagram 53, Development (Gradual Progress), shows that we can gain a place of safety and achieve success through a process of gradual movement towards our goals.

Nine in the fifth place means: Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 56 - Lu / The Wanderer. Not all retreat refers to time of war. Sometimes we need to understand that social conflicts can create the need to retreat from a position we believe in. This line shows us that this can be done without generating further animosity. Legge's interpretation states this line "...shows its subject retiring in an admirable way." The resultant hexagram 56, The Wanderer, counsels that if we should remain modest and unobtrusive we will obtain some small measure of success.

Nine at the top means: Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 31 - Hsien / Influence (Wooing). This lines retreat is successful because it retreats in the correct way for the correct reasons. Legge says this line "...shows its subject retiring in an admirable way". The resultant hexagram 31, Influence, presents us with a good augury. We will regain our influence and success will eventually return. The need for retreat will be over.

See the James Legge - I Ching Hexagram 33 - Tun / Retreat translation of this hexagram.