Heaven above – Mountain below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Dun which translates to retreat, withdraw, hide. Other titles of Dun are: Retiring, Distancing, Withdrawal. Dun deals with the concept of when to retreat as a strategy for success, a time to regroup or to remove oneself from harm. Distancing oneself is best accomplished with firmness, not with emotions such as anger. Retreat does not always mean to get away from something, it can also be about moving toward something else; a perspective, a different experience, perhaps a transformative experience.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
When trigram Mountain is below (the bottom 3 lines in image below right), it references the inner realm of the person or situation. Mountain on the inside shows one’s authentic self and ability to endure and these are expressed through the outer trigram, Heaven. Further, trigram Mountain has the attributes of stillness, forming borders and the ability to ward off or resist as a defense.
Trigram Heaven is on top of trigram Mountain, shown in the top 3 lines in the image below right. The external environment, others or a situation, may not always be in harmony with who you are as an individual. Within the outer reality, Heaven provides its strength, laws, values and directives to guide one through the situation.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. On the left, three curved lines show 3 steps forward with the sign for “stop” below them. The forward movement and then abrupt stop shows a picture symbolizing the remote past. On the right there is a pig, a piece of meat and a hand which taken together, shows a sacrifice being offered during a retreat but has also been interpreted as the pig trying to escape.
In summary: There is a sense in Dun ((Retreat) of a situation where one is not able to assert their will to power through it. Engaging does not get one any further and may even set one further back. The ancients saw that, in these situations, withdrawing does not mean failure because strategic, informed withdrawal can actually lead to success. By preserving one’s strength, waiting for better timing, one can learn how to best utilize their assets. The image of Mountain under Heaven is one of retreat where destructive influences are kept at a distance. Knowing when to retreat is just as important as knowing when to go after goals. Sometimes life will push you back if you push too hard forward.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – Keeping still is one aspect of withdrawal. The indications suggest you are still in a vulnerable position and the best course of action is no action (at this time it would only invite difficulties). Withdrawal will give you time to check the validity of your own perceptions.
Line 2 – This is a time for walking the middle road: retreating as needed in order to keep away from harm, but not retreating so much that you are not open to possibilities or opportunities. The most important thing is to hold to your own true sense of self, path and values.
Line 3 – Sometimes one has attachments and entanglements based on feelings of loyalty, fear, nostalgia, obligation, etc. It is better at this time, without distain or fight, to retreat and disentangle from them. By keeping strong to sincere core values, you may transform these attachments into allies or you may allow them to move along on their own way.
Line 4 – You are called to draw upon your strength of will to engage in a voluntary retreat rather than what you may be tempted toward, especially if there is ego involved. In letting go of ego desires, it is possible that what you are led to may not be as grand or pleasing to the ego, but it may be something you are much better suited to accomplish.
Line 5 – Withdrawal or retreat at this time has been described as commendable or auspicious. At this time, even if it feels like something may be lost, it may be considered necessary for the future. Holding positive feelings, you can be at a place you are comfortable, allowing others to come and go as they need, but still maintain your own essence and path.
Line 6 – Retreat to reconnect with one’s spirit is sometimes necessary. This may lead to being able to live more fully, with a sense of person freedom or fulfillment.