The Meaning of Hexagram 17 in the I Ching

Hexagram 17: Following

Hexagram 17, known as Sui (隨) in Chinese, represents the principle of following and adaptation. This hexagram is composed of the lake trigram above and the thunder trigram below, creating an image of thunder that follows the movement of heaven and joy that follows in response, symbolizing the natural order of following and adaptation.

Trigram Analysis

The upper trigram is Lake (☱), composed of one broken line between two solid lines, representing joy, openness, and reflection. The lower trigram is Thunder (☳), composed of one solid line beneath two broken lines, representing movement, initiative, and action.

When these trigrams combine, they create a powerful metaphor for proper following. Lake's joyful response above thunder's movement suggests how following should be both willing and appropriate. This combination points to the importance of discerning adaptation.

Symbolic Representations

In nature, Hexagram 17 corresponds to thunder following the movement of heaven and rain following thunder, representing the natural sequence of events. This meteorological metaphor represents the importance of understanding and following natural patterns and timing.

The hexagram also represents the wise person who knows when and how to follow appropriately. This human dimension emphasizes the importance of discernment in following and the wisdom of proper adaptation.

Core Meanings and Attributes

The essence of Hexagram 17 is the wisdom of proper following. This manifests as:

The art of timely adaptation. The importance of discernment. The need for appropriate response. The value of willing compliance. The power of natural alignment.

These attributes combine to create a powerful symbol of wise following. The hexagram suggests a time when proper adaptation and following lead to success.

Line Meanings

Each line in Hexagram 17 represents a different aspect of following:

The first line shows changing leaders and goals, suggesting the need for careful consideration in what to follow.

The second line indicates attachment to the small child, representing following what is innocent and true.

The third line shows attachment to the strong one, warning about the dangers of following powerful but potentially harmful influences.

The fourth line demonstrates following that leads to success, indicating how proper following can bring achievement.

The fifth line shows sincere in the good, representing the rewards of following what is truly worthy.

The sixth line warns about being firmly bound, suggesting the importance of maintaining independence even while following.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hexagram 17 often appears when there is a need for adaptation and proper response. It suggests a time when following and adjustment are crucial. The hexagram encourages:

Discerning what to follow. Adapting appropriately. Maintaining independence. Following natural patterns. Responding with wisdom.

Relationships with Other Hexagrams

Hexagram 17 has a special relationship with Hexagram 18 (Work on What Has Been Spoiled), as they represent complementary aspects of adaptation. While Hexagram 17 focuses on following and adaptation, Hexagram 18 deals with correcting and repair.

The hexagram also relates to others that share its trigrams or themes of response and adaptation, providing context for understanding different aspects of following.

Modern Interpretation

In contemporary usage, Hexagram 17 often appears in situations requiring adaptation, response, or alignment. It can indicate:

A time for careful following. The need for wise adaptation. An opportunity for alignment. The importance of discernment. A reminder to maintain independence.

Meditative Implications

As a meditation focus, Hexagram 17 offers insights into the nature of following and adaptation. It invites contemplation of:

The wisdom of proper following. The role of discernment in adaptation. The balance between following and independence. The relationship between leading and following. The path of natural alignment.

Historical Context

In traditional Chinese thought, Hexagram 17 was associated with the concept of natural order and proper response to circumstances. This connection emphasizes its relevance to both personal conduct and social harmony.

The hexagram was also linked to the importance of maintaining proper relationships between leaders and followers, highlighting how wise following contributes to social order.

Summary

Hexagram 17 represents the principle of following and adaptation, manifesting as the wisdom of proper response and alignment. Its combination of lake and thunder trigrams creates a powerful image of joyful response to movement, while its line meanings offer guidance on navigating various aspects of following.

Understanding this hexagram provides insights into the nature of adaptation and the proper approach to following, while its practical applications offer guidance for contemporary situations requiring response and alignment. Whether appearing in divination or serving as a focus for meditation, Hexagram 17 reminds us that wise following involves both discernment in what to follow and wisdom in how to follow.

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Next Hexagram: Hexagram 18.

Previous Hexagram: Hexagram 16.