Dun · Retreat
遁卦 · 天山遁
- Withdrawal
- Self-protection
- Timing
- Knowing when to step back
The Judgment
Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.
亨。小利贞。
The Image
A mountain under heaven: retreat. The noble one, in the same way, keeps petty people at a distance, not with hostility but with reserve.
天下有山，遁。君子以远小人，不恶而严。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
The situation is shifting against you: rivals are gaining ground, things are getting complicated, and continuing to fight head-on will only wear you down. Dun is a mountain rising under heaven while heaven draws away, a symbol of timely retreat. This is not surrender but a clear-headed choice.
Where to put your effort
Step back on your own terms and preserve your strength; retreating gracefully and early is far better than being forced out. Keep your distance from the people and things that drain you. There is no need to make enemies, but make your position clear. Use the time you gain to adjust and recharge for the next start.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Best to withdraw; good fortune for the noble one.
- Wealth
- Prices swing widely between highs and lows.
- Family
- Guard against bad influences; not a good time to marry.
- Health
- Retreat to a healthy place to recover.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine in the third placeThe third line, undivided, shows one retiring but bound,—to his distress and peril. (If he were to deal with his binders as in) nourishing a servant or concubine, it would be fortunate for him.Moving
九三：系遁，有疾厉。畜臣妾，吉。
Image：The danger of retreat held back: illness and exhaustion. Keeping servants brings good fortune: but not for great affairs.
- Career
- Step back at the height of the rush and you will come to no harm.
- Wealth
- Sell when you should; holding on will cost you.
- Family
- Move quickly; not a good time to marry.
- Health
- Overindulgence harms the body.
Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring notwithstanding his likings. In a superior man this will lead to good fortune; a small man cannot attain to this.Moving
九四：好遁，君子吉，小人否。
Image：The noble one retreats willingly; the petty person cannot.
- Career
- The noble one earns a true name; the petty one steals a false one.
- Wealth
- Selling now is profitable; do not hesitate.
- Family
- A quiet, secluded life suits you; worries about separation.
- Health
- Adults can be treated; children are at risk.
Nine in the fifth placeThe fifth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in an admirable way. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.Moving
九五：嘉遁，贞吉。
Image：Retreating gracefully, perseverance brings good fortune: the will is set right.
- Career
- Stepping away after success is admirable.
- Wealth
- Adapt well and you can still profit.
- Family
- A noble character to be admired; marriage based on shared aims.
- Health
- Stay away from unhealthy influences.
Nine at the topThe sixth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect.Moving
上九：肥遁，无不利。
Image：Retreating cheerfully, everything is favourable: there is no doubt.
- Career
- Content with your lot; enjoy a long, peaceful life.
- Wealth
- Buy what others discard; stepping back brings profit.
- Family
- Good for seeking wealth; beware of an elopement.
- Health
- Overweight and easily exhausted.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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