HEXAGRAM 33 OF 64 HEAVEN OVER MOUNTAIN

RETREAT

遯 Dùn

retreat, withdrawal, strategic distance, the small gaining ground, dignity in leaving

ROASTIE

Retreat. Heaven backing away from a Mountain, withdrawal with dignity, the small gaining ground. The book says leave well. You leave like a raccoon leaves a kitchen. You're going to back out of this thing, and the way you do it will be the only part anyone remembers. Ya roasted!

THE JUDGMENT

Success in retreating. In small matters, firm correctness still profits.

THE LINES, BOTTOM TO TOP

Line 1 At the tail of the retreat, in danger; do not try to go anywhere.
Line 2 Holds fast with the hide of a yellow ox; nothing can loosen it.
Line 3 A hampered retreat, bound by ties; distressing and dangerous; keeping servants and concubines brings good fortune.
Line 4 Retreating despite his attachments; for the superior man good fortune, for the small man decline.
Line 5 An admirable retreat made at the right time; firmness brings good fortune.
Line 6 A noble retreat, made freely and without doubt; nothing fails to profit.

THROW YOUR OWN ALL SIXTY-FOUR

Text: the I Ching, after James Legge's 1882 translation, public domain, trimmed into plain English. The take: a coffee bean, licensed in nothing.