I Ching

Hexagram 5 — The Waiting Xu

Hexagram 5, The Waiting — the six lines

Classical meaning

Waiting with sincerity. Brightness brings success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

需。有孚。光亨。貞吉。利涉大川。

Image: Clouds beneath the sky: the image of waiting. The superior man eats, drinks, and rejoices in music.

A time for patience and trust in the process. Await with inner readiness.

The six lines

Line 1. Waiting – Waiting in the outskirts. It is beneficial to maintain perseverance. Without guilt. Maintain habits and discipline while you wait. Consistency provides protection at the beginning of the path.
Line 2. Waiting – Waiting on the sand. Small murmurs; in the end, auspicious. Do not react to gossip. Stay the course and let time dispel doubts.
Line 3. Waiting – Waiting in the mud. Brings thieves. Avoid becoming trapped in degrading situations. Elevate your position before opportunists emerge.
Line 4. Waiting – Amidst the blood, waits. Leaves the cave. Maintain firmness even under threat. When an opening arises, withdraw with sobriety.
Line 5. Waiting – Waiting with wine and food. Auspicious uprightness. Nourish the body and relationships while the time has not yet come. Generosity and righteousness attract good fortune.
Line 6. Waiting – Enters the cave. Three unexpected visitors arrive. Honoring them, in the end, is auspicious. Receive the unexpected with courtesy and openness. Dignified conduct transforms surprise into good fortune.
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