Hexagram 10 · ䷉
Treading on the tiger's tail without being bitten brings success. This is the way of careful conduct in a dangerous place.
Judgment
Treading on the tiger's tail without being bitten brings success. This is the way of careful conduct in a dangerous place.
Image
Heaven above and lake below represent Treading. The noble person distinguishes high and low and thereby steadies the hearts of the people.
Lines
Simple treading goes without blame. Going forward alone brings fulfillment. Treading a smooth and level path. The recluse's perseverance brings good fortune. A one-eyed man can see...
Treading upon the tiger's tail without being bitten. Success.
Treading on the tiger's tail without being bitten brings success. This is the way of careful conduct in a dangerous place.
Treading upon the tiger's tail without being bitten—this is because the yielding treads upon the firm. The lower trigram is joyous and follows the upper, hence success. The firm is in the central position and correct, treading upon the place of the ruler without defect; hence light and clarity.
Treading means the soft steps upon the firm. Joyfully following what is strong, one can tread on the tiger's tail without being bitten. Success comes from firmness in the center and from walking rightly even in a ruler's place.
Heaven above and joy below—the image of Treading. The noble person distinguishes high and low, stabilizing the people's minds.
Heaven above and lake below represent Treading. The noble person distinguishes high and low and thereby steadies the hearts of the people.
Simple tread brings good fortune. No error.
Simple treading goes without blame. Going forward alone brings fulfillment.
Small Image
Simple and quiet treading brings good fortune without error.
Going forward in simple treading means acting by oneself.
Treading the smooth path alone, honored and praised. Good fortune.
Treading a smooth and level path. The recluse's perseverance brings good fortune.
Small Image
Treading alone on the smooth path shows one walks in integrity.
The recluse's perseverance is fortunate because he does not confuse himself with the ordinary world.
The blind person's eye, the crippled person's leg. Tiger approaching with fierce gaze. The person curses, good fortune.
A one-eyed man can see; a lame man can tread. He treads on the tiger's tail and is bitten. Misfortune. A warrior acts for a great ruler.
Small Image
The blind and lame yet facing the tiger shows danger accompanied by curses.
A one-eyed man seeing is not enough for clear vision. A lame man treading is not enough to walk with others. Being bitten shows the place is improper. A warrior acting for the great ruler shows firm resolve.
The person is tattooed. Treading the tiger's tail. Danger.
He treads on the tiger's tail. Cautious and fearful. In the end, good fortune.
Small Image
The tattooed body treading the tiger's tail shows danger is imminent.
Cautious fear in treading the tiger's tail means watchfulness in the end leads to good fortune.
The tenth year brings turning; beneficial to act.
Resolute treading. Perseverance with awareness of danger.
Small Image
The tenth year brings a turning point, suitable for action.
Resolute treading with danger means the position is correct and appropriate.
Treading reflects perfection.
Look closely at your conduct and examine the signs. When all is complete, supreme good fortune.
Small Image
Treading with reflection shows perfect virtue.
When good fortune is complete at the top, great blessing is present.
What does Lü / Treading mean in the I Ching?
Treading on the tiger's tail without being bitten brings success. This is the way of careful conduct in a dangerous place.
How should I study Hexagram 10 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Simple treading goes without blame. Going forward alone brings fulfillment. Treading a smooth and level path. The recluse's perseverance brings good fortune. A one-eyed man can see...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Treading means the soft steps upon the firm. Joyfully following what is strong, one can tread on the tiger's tail without being bitten. Success comes from firmness in the center and from walking rightly even in a ruler's...
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.