Hexagram 33 - Mountain Retreat (天山遁)
Mountain Retreat (天山遁) is the thirty-third hexagram of the I Ching. Its trigrams are Heaven above, Mountain below. As a hybrid hexagram, it symbolizes retreat, withdrawal, defensive holding, and temporarily withdrawing from the limelight. It embodies the imagery of "the mountain below Heaven," where the mountain is lofty and Heaven distant, signifying the waxing of Yin energies and the waning of Yang's influence. Its core axiom is: "Heaven above the mountain implies retreat; thus, the superior person keeps inferior men at a distance, not in hatred but in dignity." It pertains to timely withdrawal, protecting oneself to avoid misfortune, patient endurance while awaiting the right moment, and staying far from evil while holding fast to righteousness. Classified as a middling hexagram, it reveals the principle of Yin's ascent as Yang gradually yields, guiding the superior person to know when to withdraw and how to turn withdrawal into advancement.
The Hexagram Image & Judgment
Hexagram Image
Mountain Retreat (天山遁)
Hexagram 33 · Heaven above, Mountain below · Mountain under Heaven
Upper Trigram: Heaven (乾 ☰)Lower Trigram: Mountain (艮 ☶)Five Elements: Metal-Earth (Heaven belongs to Metal, Mountain belongs to Earth)
It illustrates the Way signified by Mountain Retreat.
Hexagram Judgment
Retreat (遁)：Success. Small matters favor perseverance.
Meaning: The Retreat hexagram symbolizes withdrawal and retreat. There is success; in small matters, it is beneficial to hold fast to the correct path. This implies that for the superior person, withdrawing to avoid danger, complying with the situation and the trends of the times, and maintaining uprightness will ensure smooth passage.
The Line Statements
Line 6 at the Beginning (初六): Retreating brings one into the rearguard; it is perilous. It is not appropriate to go anywhere.
遁尾，厉，勿用有攸往。 Meaning: To be lagging behind in retreat is dangerous; one should not go forward. It symbolizes failing to retreat in time, thus becoming trapped in peril. Remaining still and inactive brings safety.
Line 6 in the Second Place (六二): Hold it fast with the leather of a yellow ox; none can wrest it away.
执之用黄牛之革，莫之胜说。 Meaning: It is held fast with yellow ox-leather and cannot be escaped. This signifies holding firm to central correctness and gentle compliance, keeping the will resolute, not being swayed by external forces, and holding one's ground to await the proper time.
Line 9 in the Third Place (九三): Retreat is restrained; the situation is dangerous but containable. Keeping servants and concubines is auspicious.
系遁，有疾厉。畜臣妾，吉。 Meaning: Having lingering attachments makes retreat ineffective; this leads to peril akin to illness; yet, attending to minor matters like managing servants and concubines brings good fortune. It warns that clinging to attachments and lacking firm resolve to withdraw will invite trouble, while withdrawing from major affairs to tend to lesser ones brings safety.
Line 9 in the Fourth Place (九四): Withdrawal from fondness - good fortune for the superior person, not for the small-minded.
好遁，君子吉，小人否。 Meaning: Being able to resolutely withdraw even from what one cherishes is auspicious for the superior person, but impossible for the small-minded person. The superior person can cut off attachments and withdraw at the proper time, while the inferior person, ruled by desire, finds it difficult to let go.
Line 9 in the Fifth Place (九五): Excellent retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
嘉遁，贞吉。 Meaning: A beautiful and perfect withdrawal. Remaining steadfast brings auspiciousness. Residing in a respected position yet knowing when to timely retreat, where both advance and retreat are aligned with the Way, brings praise for virtuous conduct.
Line 9 at the Top (上九): A rich, unencumbered retreat. Nothing is disadvantageous.
肥遁，无不利。 Meaning: A relaxed, soaring retreat, free of any entanglements; nothing is unfavorable. This is the highest state of retreat, representing transcendence above worldly matters, being completely unhindered—supremely auspicious.
Core Imagery
In the Mountain Retreat hexagram, the upper trigram, Heaven (乾), represents the sky and strength, while the lower trigram, Mountain (艮), represents stillness and cessation. The sky is lofty and distant; the mountain is solid and still. This symbolizes the gradual rise of petty influences and the decline of the Way of the superior person. It is appropriate to retreat, endure, keep away from harm, and preserve oneself. Corresponding to human affairs, it advises timely and courageous withdrawal from turbulent situations, retreating to avoid misfortune, living in seclusion, keeping distance from inferior people, and temporarily yielding to avoid confrontation. It champions withdrawal while holding fast to righteousness, not engaging in conflict, and waiting for the opportune moment to rise again. It warns that clinging to position and power, and refusing to withdraw, invites disaster.
The six lines of the Retreat hexagram unfold around the path of retreat:
- The initial Line 6 shows falling behind in retreat—danger arises, urging stillness and no movement.
- Line 6 in the Second demonstrates holding firm to centrality and righteousness—it is hard to escape, but one should stay firm.
- Line 9 in the Third reveals being tied by attachments—sickness and peril appear; attending to minor duties brings safety.
- Line 9 in the Fourth illustrates withdrawing from fondness—the superior person gains good fortune, while the inferior person cannot.
- Line 9 in the Fifth showcases beautiful retreat—perseverance brings auspiciousness.
- Line 9 at the Top represents a rich, soaring retreat—completely advantageous. Overall, the core themes are timely withdrawal, staying far from evil while holding fast to righteousness, and awaiting the proper time to rise again.
Symbolic Correspondences
- Nature of the Hexagram: Hybrid, rigid above and stopping below. The mountain below Heaven, Yin waxing, Yang waning.
- Five Elements: Metal and Earth (Heaven belongs to Metal, Mountain belongs to Earth)
- Direction: Northwest and Northeast
- Season: Early Autumn, when Yin qi begins to grow and Yang qi retreats
- People: Recluses, superior persons in retreat, those avoiding harm, individuals who know when to withdraw from powerful currents.
- Body: Lungs, spleen, stomach, joints—governing withdrawal, quiet rest, and gathering of vital energy and blood.
- Animals: Horses, dogs, and other beasts that live in concealment.
- Objects: Leather straps, tools for retreat/seclusion, things high and distant.
- Places: High mountains, the horizon, seclusion dwellings, distant and avoided places.
- Human Affairs: Withdrawing into seclusion, staying away from inferior people, timely withdrawal from prominence, patient endurance while awaiting opportunity.
- Colors: White, Yellow, Black/Dark (玄色)
- Five Flavors: Pungent (Metal), Sweet (Earth)
- Numbers: One, Seven, Five
Classic Texts
Hexagram Judgment and Line Statements
Mountain Retreat (天山遁)： 遁：亨。小利贞。Line 6 at the Beginning (初六)： 遁尾，厉，勿用有攸往。 Line 6 in the Second Place (六二)： 执之用黄牛之革，莫之胜说。 Line 9 in the Third Place (九三)： 系遁，有疾厉。畜臣妾，吉。 Line 9 in the Fourth Place (九四)： 好遁，君子吉，小人否。 Line 9 in the Fifth Place (九五)： 嘉遁，贞吉。 Line 9 at the Top (上九)： 肥遁，无不利。
The Tuan Commentary (彖传)
《彖》曰：遁亨，遁而亨也。刚当位而应，与时行也。小利贞，浸而长也。遁之时义大矣哉。
Meaning: The retreat of Hexagram Retreat brings success; it is because one retreats that one succeeds. The firm (Yang) line is in its proper place and finds response, acting in accordance with the times. "Small matters favor perseverance" indicates the gradual growth (of Yin). How great is the significance of seizing the timely moment for retreat!
The Image Commentary (象传)
《象》曰：天下有山，遁。君子以远小人，不恶而严。
Meaning: Heaven above the mountain constitutes the image of Retreat. Thus, the superior person keeps inferior men at a distance, not through hatred but by maintaining dignity.
《象》曰：
- 遁尾之厉，不往何灾也。
- 执用黄牛，固志也。
- 系遁之厉，有疾惫也。畜臣妾吉，不可大事也。
- 君子好遁，小人否也。
- 嘉遁贞吉，以正志也。
- 肥遁无不利，无所疑也。
Meaning：
- The danger of retreating at the rear is that if one does not go forward, what calamity can arise? ("not going forward brings no disaster")
- To be bound with yellow oxhide indicates one's purpose is fixed ("firm will").
- The danger involved in clinging to retreat is due to distress and weariness; (but) "keeping servants and concubines is auspicious," for one cannot transact important affairs.
- Good fortune comes to the superior person in resolutely retreating, but not to the small-minded ("Superior person withdraws from fondness; the inferior cannot.")
- Admirable retreat and good fortune: because his purpose is upright ("correct intent").
- "Rich retreat; everything advantageous": because there is nothing to perplex about ("no hesitation").
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Retreat hexagram primarily auspicious or inauspicious?
A: The Retreat hexagram is a middling hexagram. If one timely retreats and stays far from evil while holding onto righteousness, it is auspicious. If one clings and does not retreat, it is inauspicious. Using retreat as an advancement and waiting for the right moment brings good fortune.
What does "A rich, unencumbered retreat; nothing is disadvantageous" mean?
A: It refers to a withdrawal that is completely free of entanglements, relaxed and soaring. This is the highest state of retreat, characterized by transcendence and detachment from worldly affairs. Thus, nothing is unfavorable.
What situations suit the Retreat hexagram?
A: It suits situations involving timely withdrawal from prominence, keeping away from inferior people, retreating to avoid misfortune, living in seclusion, and temporarily yielding to avoid confrontation. It is unsuited for forceful advancement, clinging to power and position, or direct confrontation.
What revelation does obtaining the Retreat hexagram offer concerning career and relationships?
A: The advice is to timely withdraw and defend one's position, and to distance oneself from contention. The most auspicious is the "rich retreat" at the top (上九), followed by the "excellent retreat" (九五). Avoid the procrastination represented by the first line (初六) and the attachments/hindrances of the third line (九三).
What is the relationship between the Retreat hexagram and Great Strength (大壮)?
A: The Retreat hexagram focuses on Yin waxing and Yang waning, withdrawal, and defensive holding. Great Strength focuses on the vigor and fullness of Yang, advancement, and powerful flourishing. They are the inversed/overthrown hexagrams of each other: one recedes, the other advances; one is hidden, the other visible. They represent the complementary cycles of Yin and Yang's ebb and flow.
FAQ
What does the Mountain Retreat hexagram (天山遁) represent?
It represents a time of strategic withdrawal, holding a defensive position, or stepping back from the forefront. The core idea is to retreat in a timely manner to preserve oneself and avoid misfortune, not out of fear or hatred, but with dignity and wisdom. It symbolizes the growth of yin (weaker or adverse) forces and the waning of yang (active, dominant) influence, advising temporary withdrawal to await a more favorable moment.
How can I interpret "retreat" in a modern context? Isn't retreat just giving up?
No, retreat in the context of this hexagram is not about surrender or defeat. It is a conscious, strategic choice to step back from conflict, excessive visibility, or a draining situation. It's a period for gathering strength, gaining perspective, protecting your resources, and waiting for a more advantageous time to act. Think of it as a tactical pause or a regrouping, essential for long-term success.
The judgment mentions "small matters favor perseverance." What does that mean?
While the overall theme is retreat from major engagements, this phrase advises that in smaller, daily affairs or personal conduct, you should hold fast to your principles and remain steady. It means the big strategic move is to withdraw, but within that context, you maintain your integrity and attend to necessary responsibilities diligently. Don't let the overall retreat cause negligence in the foundational aspects of your life.
What is the key warning in the first line (初六)?
The first line warns against being last or lagging in retreat ("遁尾"). It signifies danger because delaying your withdrawal means you get caught in the advancing adverse situation. The advice is clear: when the signs indicate it's time to retreat, do so decisively and promptly. Hesitation or being the last one out leads to peril. The safest course is to stop and not proceed further.
What does Line 2 (六二) mean by "Hold it fast with the leather of a yellow ox"?
This is a metaphor for firmness and unwavering resolve. "Yellow" symbolizes the center and balance, and "ox-leather" represents strength and durability. The line advises that even in retreat, your inner will and commitment to what is correct must be as unyielding as if bound by the strongest leather. You hold your ground internally, maintaining your core values, so that no external force can shake your determination while you wait for the right time.
How should I understand Line 4's "Withdrawal from fondness" (好遁)?
This line highlights a difficult but crucial aspect of retreat: the ability to withdraw from situations or relationships you are fond of or deeply attached to. For a person of integrity (the "superior person"), doing this at the right moment brings good fortune because it shows freedom from clinging desires. For a "small-minded" person ruled by attachments, this kind of clear-sighted withdrawal is nearly impossible, often leading to getting stuck.
What is the ultimate goal or ideal state of retreat according to this hexagram?
The ideal is depicted in the top line (上九) as a "rich, unencumbered retreat" (肥遁). This is a state of complete freedom and ease in withdrawal, without any regret, entanglement, or opposition. It represents spiritual or strategic transcendence, where you are so far above the fray that the act of retreat brings no disadvantage and is entirely favorable. It is the highest form of knowing when and how to disengage.
When I receive this hexagram, should I completely stop all action?
Not necessarily. The hexagram primarily advises strategic retreat from the main point of contention or conflict. It encourages you to stop pushing forward aggressively. However, it also suggests that perseverance in small, correct matters (Line 2) and attending to internal affairs or supportive roles (as hinted in Line 3's management of servants) can be beneficial. The action shifts from frontal engagement to consolidation, preparation, and internal strengthening.
Does Mountain Retreat imply a permanent withdrawal or just a temporary one?
It is almost always a temporary, tactical withdrawal. The imagery is of the seasons changing—yang yields as yin waxes, but this cycle will turn again. The purpose is to protect your strength and position so you can advance again when the timing is right. It's about enduring a difficult phase, not quitting forever. The hexagram guides you to turn withdrawal into a form of future advancement.