I Ching
Hexagram 3 — The Initial Difficulty Zhun
Classical meaning
Initial difficulty. Supreme success. Perseverance is favorable. It is not favorable to have a destination. Favorable to establish leaders.
屯。元亨。利貞。勿用有攸往。利建侯。
Image: Clouds and thunder: the image of initial difficulty. Thus the superior man organizes and puts in order.
It symbolizes birth and the challenges of beginnings. It is a time of growth through effort.
- Beginning
- Difficulty
- Growth
- organization
- Preparation
The six lines
Line 1. The Initial Difficulty – Firm persistence brings advantage. It is also favorable to establish vassals. Be patient and establish solid foundations. The beginning is difficult, but firmness and organization will yield good results.
Line 2. The Initial Difficulty – Confusion and hesitation. Like horses turning back. They are not enemies, but a meeting of union. The woman remains chaste, without children. After ten years, she will have a child. Accept delays and apparent frustrations. Perseverance in remaining faithful will bear fruit, albeit delayed.
Line 3. The Initial Difficulty – Hunting without a guide and entering the forest alone. The noble man perceives the risk and chooses to retreat. Advancing will bring regret. Do not insist on moving forward without direction. It is better to wait than to become lost in confusion.
Line 4. The Initial Difficulty – Like horses turning back. Seeking marriage brings fortune. Nothing will be unfavorable. Seek true alliances. Unity brings security and prosperity.
Line 5. The Initial Difficulty – Accumulating fat. Small perseverance is favorable. Great perseverance is disastrous. Avoid exaggerations and great ambitions at the beginning. Slow and modest progress is the safest.
Line 6. The Initial Difficulty – Like horses turning back, weeping tears of blood. Do not struggle against the tide when everything appears opposed. Suffering indicates that it is time to let go and accept the limits.
A reading for YOUR situation
3 open consultations free per day — or a custom question.
Start my consultation →