Hexagram 33 · ䷠
Retreat brings success. In small matters, perseverance furthers.
Judgment
Retreat brings success. In small matters, perseverance furthers.
Image
The mountain under heaven represents Retreat. The noble person keeps the inferior at a distance, not with anger but with dignified reserve.
Lines
Retreating at the rear is dangerous. It is not favorable to undertake anything. He holds himself fast with yellow oxhide—his determination is unshakeable. A reluctant, tied-up retr...
Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
Retreat brings success. In small matters, perseverance furthers.
Retreat brings success, because retreating is done at the right time. The strong is in its proper place and responds appropriately. It happens at the right time and proceeds in the right way. In what is small, perseverance furthers, because the weak is growing. The meaning of the time of Retreat is great indeed.
Retreat succeeds because it happens at the proper time. The strong maintains its position while responding appropriately. Small matters are furthered by perseverance because the weak element is growing.
Under heaven is the mountain: the image of Retreat. The noble person keeps the inferior at a distance without anger, but with dignity.
The mountain under heaven represents Retreat. The noble person keeps the inferior at a distance, not with anger but with dignified reserve.
At the tail in retreat. Danger. It is not favorable to undertake anything.
Retreating at the rear is dangerous. It is not favorable to undertake anything.
Small Image
He retires at the tail. If he does not go forward, what disaster can overtake him?
Retreating at the rear is dangerous, but if one does not advance, what disaster can occur?
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him away.
He holds himself fast with yellow oxhide—his determination is unshakeable.
Small Image
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide: his will is firm.
Holding fast with yellow oxhide shows firmness of will.
A tied-up retreat. Sickness and danger. With the servants of the household, good fortune.
A reluctant, tied-up retreat brings sickness and danger. Managing household servants brings good fortune.
Small Image
A tied-up retreat brings sickness and danger because his will is confused and depressed. With the servants of the household, good fortune means he cannot undertake great things.
Tied-up retreat brings danger due to confused and depressed will. Good fortune with servants means he cannot handle great matters.
Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man and downfall to the inferior man.
A willing retreat brings good fortune to the superior person but not to the inferior person.
Small Image
Friendly retreat brings good fortune to the superior man, because the inferior man cannot do it.
The superior person's successful retreat is beyond the inferior person's capability.
Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
A praiseworthy retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Small Image
Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune, because he has correct aims.
Praiseworthy retreat brings good fortune through correct aims.
Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.
A generous, prosperous retreat serves to further all undertakings.
Small Image
Cheerful retreat serves to further everything, because he is without doubt.
Generous retreat without doubt serves to further everything.
What does Tun / Retreat mean in the I Ching?
Retreat brings success. In small matters, perseverance furthers.
How should I study Hexagram 33 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Retreating at the rear is dangerous. It is not favorable to undertake anything. He holds himself fast with yellow oxhide—his determination is unshakeable. A reluctant, tied-up retr...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Retreat succeeds because it happens at the proper time. The strong maintains its position while responding appropriately. Small matters are furthered by perseverance because the weak element is growing.
Primary text: Zhouyi / I Ching, including the Judgment, Image, line texts, and related commentaries.
Translation basis: public-domain and modern study references, with AI used only as a learning aid.