Hexagram 17: Following (泽雷随)
Following (泽雷随) is the seventeenth hexagram of the sixty-four hexagrams in the I Ching (Book of Changes). Its composition is the Upper Trigram "Dui" (☱, Lake, Joy) and the Lower Trigram "Zhen" (☳, Thunder, Action), classified as a Mixed hexagram. It symbolizes following, adaptation, amiability, and timely responsiveness. Its imagery is that of Thunder within the Lake: where thunder moves, the lake follows, signifying mutual support and complementarity. Its core theme is encapsulated in the phrase: "Thunder within the Lake; Following (随). Thus, the noble person returns home to rest at dusk." This hexagram primarily signifies adapting to circumstances, choosing the virtuous to follow, acting with joy, and is considered highly auspicious. It reveals the wisdom of "The meaning of 'following the time' is truly great!" in one's approach to life, emphasizing adherence to the correct path, acting in accordance with the flow, and the balance of firmness and flexibility in the art of following.
Hexagram Image and Statements
Hexagram Image
Following (泽雷随)
Hexagram 17 · Upper Dui / Lower Zhen · Thunder within the Lake
Upper Trigram: Dui ☱ (Lake, Joy)Lower Trigram: Zhen ☳ (Thunder, Action)Five Elements: Metal - Wood (Dui belongs to Metal, Zhen belongs to Wood)
Symbolizes adapting to circumstances, choosing virtue to follow, and acting with joy.
Hexagram Statement
Following (随): Supreme Success, perseverance is beneficial. No blame.
Interpretation: The Following hexagram symbolizes following and adaptation. There is supreme success through persistence; it is beneficial to hold firm to the correct path. There is no blame. This signifies that the Way of Following aligns with the Heavenly way. Adhering to the correct path ensures smooth progression without disaster or calamity. All beings under Heaven must act in accordance with the time and change with the flow of circumstances.
Line Statements
First Nine: Official duties change. Perseverance brings good fortune. Going out to connect brings achievement.
Official duties change. Perseverance brings good fortune. Going out to connect brings achievement. Interpretation: When official duties or responsibilities shift, holding firm to the correct path brings good fortune; going out to interact with people leads to accomplishments. This symbolizes that the Way of Following requires adaptability to changing circumstances, unwavering adherence to the correct path, and the initiative to expand connections and befriend the virtuous, thus achieving success in one's endeavors.
Six in the Second Place: One clings to the lesser man and loses the man of stature.
One clings to the lesser man and loses the man of stature. Interpretation: Being attached to the 'lesser man' (trivial matters, small gains, inferior people) causes one to lose the 'man of stature' (important matters, significant gains, superior people). This serves as a warning that the Way of Following requires clear discernment of what is primary and what is secondary, careful weighing of significance. One must not lose sight of the greater for the lesser, or forsake the root to pursue the branch.
Six in the Third Place: One clings to the man of stature and loses the lesser man. Following is pursued and obtains results. Beneficial to settle in perseverance.
One clings to the man of stature and loses the lesser man. Following is pursued and obtains results. Beneficial to settle in perseverance. Interpretation: Being attached to the 'man of stature' (important matters, significant gains, superior people) leads to losing the 'lesser man' (trivial matters, small gains, inferior people). By actively pursuing and aligning, one obtains results. It is beneficial to settle and maintain constancy in the correct path. This suggests that the Way of Following involves choosing the virtuous to follow and adhering firmly to the correct path; though there are trade-offs, one ultimately gains.
Nine in the Fourth Place: Following and achieving brings results; there is danger in steadfastness. There is truthfulness adhering to the Way. By bringing this to light, what blame?
Following and achieving brings results; there is danger in steadfastness. There is truthfulness adhering to the Way. By bringing this to light, what blame? Interpretation: Following others and achieving gains, even when holding firm to the correct path, may bring potential danger. If one harbors sincerity and acts in accordance with what is right, clarifying matters, then there will be no blame. This warns that when one holds a high position, is followed, and reaps benefits, one must maintain vigilance, hold fast to sincere and correct principles, and maintain clear judgment to avoid potential perils.
Nine in the Fifth Place: Sincerity in what is virtuous, good fortune.
Sincerity in what is virtuous, good fortune. Interpretation: Sincerity directed towards virtuous individuals and virtuous actions brings supreme good fortune. This indicates that the highest expression of the Way of Following is having sincere faith in the good and beautiful, choosing the virtuous to follow, blending firmness and flexibility, and acting with joyous harmony, leading ultimately to auspiciousness.
Top Six: Binding it and then following, sustaining it; the king presents offerings at the Western Mountain.
Binding it and then following, sustaining it; the king presents offerings at the Western Mountain. Interpretation: First constraining and compelling obedience, and only then gaining followers; binding and maintaining them; thus, the king makes offerings at the Western Mountain. This symbolizes that when the capacity for following reaches its limit, one must rely on rites and righteousness to sustain it and use sincerity to inspire, rather than coercing obedience; one should win others over by virtue.
Core Symbolism
The Following hexagram has the Upper Dui (Lake, Joy, Softness) and the Lower Zhen (Thunder, Action, Firmness). The thunder resounds within the lake, and the lake water follows the movement of the thunder, symbolizing following, adaptation, and amiability. It embodies the hexagram virtue described as "the firm comes and is beneath the soft; motion and therefore joy." Applied to human affairs, this corresponds to choosing the virtuous to follow, acting in accordance with the flow, dealing with others amiably, and possessing the art of following. It primarily indicates adapting to the times, adhering to the correct path, and blending firmness and flexibility, while warning that blind following or stubborn adherence to one's own views leads to regret. Clear discernment, and persisting in choosing what is good, are required—following others without losing oneself, being agreeable without forsaking principles.
The six lines of the Following hexagram revolve around the gains and losses of the Way of Following:
- First Nine: Adapts to change; holding firm brings good fortune.
- Six in the Second Place: Loses the greater for the lesser; improper judgment.
- Six in the Third Place: Gains the greater by losing the lesser; holding firm brings gains.
- Nine in the Fourth Place: Gain harbors risk; sincerity and understanding of the Way avert blame.
- Nine in the Fifth Place: Sincerity in what is virtuous brings supreme good fortune.
- Top Six: The limit is reached through constraint; upholding propriety brings stability.
The overall core principle is: Follow the time while holding firm to the right path; Choose the virtuous to follow; Balance firmness and flexibility; Act with joyful harmony.
Categorical Correspondences
| Category | Content |
|---|---|
| Hexagram Nature | Mixed hexagram, Upper Soft / Lower Firm; Thunder within the Lake, Thunder moves, Lake follows. |
| Five Elements | Metal - Wood (Dui belongs to Metal, Zhen belongs to Wood) |
| Directions | West and East |
| Seasonal Time | Late spring to early summer, a time when thunder is latent in the lake, waiting to move with the moment. |
| Associated Persons | Follower, subordinate, leader, one adept at making virtuous choices and adapting, one who deals with others amiably. |
| Body Parts | Lungs, liver, mouth, feet; indicates smooth breathing, agile movement. |
| Animals | Goat, Loong, loud-singing birds, beasts that move with the herd. |
| Objects | Musical instruments, containers, means of transport, communication tools. |
| Places | Marshes, thunderous areas, social venues, gathering places. |
| Human Activities | Following, submitting, social interaction, choosing friends, adapting to the times. |
| Colors | White, Azure, Champagne |
| Five Flavors | Pungent, Sour |
| Numbers | Four, Three, Six |
Classical Texts
Hexagram and Line Statements
Following (泽雷随): 随：元亨利贞，无咎。First Nine: 官有渝，贞吉；出门交有功。 Six in the Second Place: 系小子，失丈夫。 Six in the Third Place: 系丈夫，失小子；随有求得，利居贞。 Nine in the Fourth Place: 随有获，贞凶；有孚在道，以明，何咎。 Nine in the Fifth Place: 孚于嘉，吉。 Top Six: 拘系之，乃从，维之；王用亨于西山。
Commentary on the Judgments
《彖》曰：随，刚来而下柔，动而悦，随。大亨贞，无咎，而天下随时。随时之义大矣哉。
Interpretation: Regarding Following: The firm line comes and places itself beneath the soft line. Movement, and therefore joy. This is Following. There is great success through persistence, no blame, because all things under Heaven follow the time. The meaning of "following the time" is truly great!
Commentary on the Images
《象》曰：泽中有雷，随；君子以向晦入宴息。
Interpretation: Thunder within the Lake is the image of Following. Thus, the noble person takes this as a model to go home and rest at dusk, conforming to the natural rhythms—to work at sunrise and rest at sunset.
《象》曰：
- 初九“官有渝”，从正吉也；“出门交有功”，不失也。
- 六二“系小子”，弗兼与也。
- 六三“系丈夫”，志舍下也。
- 九四“随有获”，其义凶也；“有孚在道”，“明”功也。
- 九五“孚于嘉吉”，位正中也。
- 上六“拘系之”，上穷也。
Interpretation: First Nine: "Official duties change"—it is auspicious because one follows the correct path; "Going out to connect brings achievement"—one does not lose the proper way. Six in the Second Place: "One clings to the lesser man"—it is because one cannot have both. Six in the Third Place: "One clings to the man of stature"—the resolve abandons what is beneath (the lesser). Nine in the Fourth Place: "Following and achieving brings results"—from a principled perspective it carries danger; "There is truthfulness adhering to the Way"—is the effect of "enlightenment." Nine in the Fifth Place: "Sincerity in what is virtuous brings good fortune"—is due to the centrality and correctness of its position. Top Six: "Binding it..."—indicates the Way of Following has reached its limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Following hexagram primarily auspicious or inauspicious?
Answer: The Following hexagram is primarily highly auspicious, with the hexagram statement: "Supreme Success, perseverance is beneficial. No blame." Following the times, adhering to the correct path, and choosing the virtuous to follow bring good fortune. Blind following or stubborn adherence leads to misfortune.
What does "The meaning of 'following the time' is truly great!" mean?
Answer: It means the significance of adapting to the times is immense. All things under Heaven must change in accordance with the time. Human affairs must also follow the trend and act according to circumstances to achieve success and succeed everywhere.
What situations is the Following hexagram suitable for?
Answer: It is suitable for situations requiring following, adaptation, and cooperation—such as choosing friends and social circles, teamwork, career advancement, or acting in accordance with the flow. It is not suitable for blind following, stubborn refusal to adapt, or losing sight of priorities.
What insights does receiving the Following hexagram offer for career matters?
Answer: For one's career, one must adapt to the times, choose the virtuous to follow, and deal with others amiably. The First Nine advises adapting to change; holding firm brings good fortune. The Nine in the Fifth Place emphasizes sincerity in what is virtuous brings great good fortune. Overall, one should have clear judgment, persevere in choosing the good—following others without losing oneself, being agreeable without forsaking principles.
What is the difference between the "Following" of this hexagram and blind obedience?
Answer: The "Following" of this hexagram means choosing the virtuous to follow, acting according to the flow, adhering to the correct path—thus following without losing oneself, being agreeable without forsaking principles. Blind obedience refers to indiscriminate following, failing to distinguish right from wrong or good from evil, leading to the loss of oneself and resulting in regret.
FAQ
How should one understand the concept of "Following" in Hexagram 17?
In Hexagram 17, "Following" (随) is not about blind obedience. It primarily represents the wisdom of adaptability and harmony. The imagery of Thunder (Zhen, Action) within the Lake (Dui, Joy) means action stirs a joyful, compliant response. The core is to follow the natural order and the correct path, meaning one should adapt to the time and situation, choose to follow virtuous people or correct principles, and act flexibly and appropriately to achieve mutual support and favorable outcomes.
What does "Supreme Success, perseverance is beneficial" mean in the Hexagram Statement?
"Supreme Success, perseverance is beneficial" outlines the fundamental attitude for practicing the principle of Following. "Supreme Success" means there is great potential for smoothness and achievement through the art of following. "Perseverance is beneficial" is the key premise: this following must be based on "the correct path" (the right and proper way). Success comes not from following any trend, but from steadfastly adhering to what is right while adapting to the flow. Only by following virtue and correctness can there truly be "no blame."
What does the Second Line's warning about "clings to the lesser man and loses the man of stature" mean?
This line offers crucial guidance for discernment in "following." Here, the "lesser man" symbolizes trivial affairs, immediate small gains, or unworthy individuals, while the "man of stature" signifies the big picture, fundamental long-term interests, or virtuous individuals. This statement warns that if you focus on or adhere to minor matters (the lesser man), you may lose sight of the overall situation and important relationships (the man of stature). In decisions of following and compromise, one must distinguish priorities and make wise choices.
According to the Third and Fourth Lines, how should one handle gains and danger in the process of "Following"?
The Third Line shows a correct choice: "clings to the man of stature and loses the lesser man." By following virtue and righteousness, although there are losses (minor interests), real results are achieved. The key is to "settle in perseverance." The Fourth Line then points to a higher-level vigilance: even when "Following and achieving" yields results, a potential danger ("danger in steadfastness") arises from holding power or being followed. The solution is "truthfulness adhering to the Way" and "bringing this to light"—acting with sincere motives that align with principle and maintaining openness and integrity.
What is the deeper significance of the Fifth Line's "Sincerity in what is virtuous"?
"Virtue" here refers to all good people, affairs, and principles. "Sincerity in what is virtuous" is the highest realization of the philosophy of "Following." When the attitude of "following" progresses to a heartfelt trust, approval, and alignment with noble virtues, it produces the best effect, which is "good fortune." This indicates that for sustainable and harmonious relationships (personal or leadership), the most potent force is not utilitarian compromise but a sincere and solid shared adherence to beauty and goodness.
Is Hexagram 17 always auspicious, or does it contain warnings?
While Hexagram 17 is overall considered an auspicious hexagram (marked by "Supreme Success"), it inherently contains clear admonitions. Its auspiciousness is conditional upon "perseverance is beneficial"—adherence to the correct path. Several lines offer specific warnings: Line 2 warns against misdirected adherence; Line 4 warns of the danger in achieving gains; and the principle of choosing "the virtuous to follow" requires correct judgment. Without these conditions, so-called "following" can become indecision or misdirected obedience, leading to unfavorable outcomes.
How does the relationship between the Five Elements of Dui (Metal) and Zhen (Wood) interpret the hexagram's dynamics?
In the trigram structure, Upper Dui belongs to Metal, representing persuasion, joy, and exchange; Lower Zhen belongs to Wood, representing movement, initiation, and rising. The Wood (Action) stimulates or stirs, and the Metal (Joy) follows and contains it—this dynamic vividly illustrates the image of "Following." From an inter-promotional relationship among the Five Elements, Wood produces Fire, but here Metal and Wood are in an indirect relationship, indicating that the process of following requires appropriate mediation (perseverance and virtue) to achieve harmony, rather than direct mutual production or conquest.
In daily life or management, what guidance does Hexagram 17 provide?
Hexagram 17 provides essential wisdom regarding interpersonal relationships and adaptability. 1) Adaptability: Do not stubbornly resist but flexibly adapt to environmental changes. 2) Choose Your Leader: Align yourself with virtuous leaders and correct principles. 3) Weigh Trade-offs: Know how to let go of minor gains to seize the bigger picture. 4) Act with Integrity: When at the forefront or in a position to lead followers, maintain an open and honest mind and stick to your principles to avoid danger. 5) Cultivate Joy: Create an atmosphere of harmony (Dui, Joy) through proactive action (Zhen), making following willing rather than forced.