Heaven above – Lake below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Lu which translates to take steps, tread, trample, fulfill. Other titles are Treading, Respectful Conduct, Cautious Advance and Fulfilling. Although it is said that, in the spiritual sense, “all humans were created equal”, the reality is there are always those more powerful than others within society. “Respectful Conduct” encompasses walking through life with caution, according to the limits of your own power and conscience, in order to not only survive but to thrive. The weak and strong need to learn to live together.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
Trigram Lake is the lower trigram as seen in the bottom 3 lines (see image below right). Trigram Lake is also called Dui, which means, in part, “opening up” and therefore opening up to others, to exchange, to interact and to relax together. Another name for Lake is Marsh. A marsh is a place in nature where many species come together. The internal urge here, whether by choice or necessity, is to be part of social interaction or community.
Trigram Heaven, the top 3 lines showing the externalized situation (see image below right). When Heaven is in this upper position, the lower or inner trigram expresses through and is subject to Heaven’s laws. Heaven confers the pattern, timing and structure of everything. One’s own impetus to interact with others will be influenced by Heaven’s directives within your environment.
The ancient ideograph on the upper left portion of the image below has 4 parts. The very top line that loops back to extend down the left sides represents a person standing upright. The top loop is the head and the long portion is the body. The rest of the ideograph has 3 curved strokes showing 3 footprints of 3 small steps. At the top right portion there is a picture of a shoe and underneath it is an image showing the action of walking. Originally the meaning pertained to shoes, but then it came to mean treading (upon something) and later, “fulfilling one’s duties”.
In summary: The main concept within Treading is that a “wise man fulfills his duty as cautiously as he would tread on a tiger’s tail”. This is required for good fortune according to ancient diviners. Treading explores the manner in which one behaves in society and within their environment for social and physical survival. Communities and nature have certain rules and laws. Interaction can only be beneficial when rules are obeyed so humans and other creatures can recognize each other’s intentions and react accordingly. Your attitude, actions and how you look after all these small interactions will influence the quality of your life.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – Although you are at a beginning point, you do possess the needed abilities and contentment to move from your own starting point without leaning on others. There is no need for any conflict with other’s opinions because you already know your path.
Line 2 – Indicated here is a path that is truly your own, even somewhat reclusive, and everything looks just fine ahead. There is an illustrative analogy where a hermit does not reach for fame and wealth just as one who is walking behind a tiger does not try to overtake it. This means by keeping a low profile and sincerely attending to your own affairs, you are making sure your own ambition or other people’s ambitions for you don’t take over your path.
Line 3 – A tenuous position wherein your strength and resources are not adequate to superior forces at this time, even though intentions, willpower and loyalty may be strong. Adapt your actions to what is possible and pay careful attention to making sure the timing is in alignment with the surrounding conditions.
Line 4 – One is in a strong position to undertake something big or risky. Prudence is needed when you walk behind a tiger or serve a king. The most important thing is to make sure what you are striving for is in line with your own inner truth; if not, it is better to walk away.
Line 5 – You may be strong and clear but the intrinsic value of the path inevitably involves risk. Despite this, something truly great always has lasting value. To be successful is to persist without false pride or false modesty. Carefully examine the situation, allow for continual course adjustment and understand you will need to marshal your own resources and willpower in this endeavor.
Line 6 – The ancients suggest a sense of completion is present. Your tasks may have been performed successfully (or not), but either way don’t leave it there. Look into what has happened, see what has worked and what has not, think about what you did, evaluate, adjust and then integrate. This way life becomes richer and more meaningful.