Thunder rests in the lake, as energy resting when the season calls for it. Sui is about following: adapting to the times, to what is right, or to a worthy leader. Leading well also requires knowing how to follow. The key is following for the right reasons, toward what is good, and not drifting with whatever pulls at you.
Judgment
隨：元亨利貞，无咎。
Following: supreme success; steadfastness is favorable. No blame.
Image
澤中有雷，隨；君子以嚮晦入宴息。
Thunder inside the lake: following. Taking this as a model, as evening comes on, the noble one goes in for repose.
- Adapting to the times
- Following what is right
- Leading by following
- Rest and timing
- Choosing what to follow
- adaptation
- following
- flexibility
- timing
- loyalty
- rest
- To lead, first learn to follow what the situation asks.
- Follow principles rather than people's whims.
- Rest when it is time to rest.
The six lines
Lines are numbered from the bottom. In a reading, only the lines that are changing apply to your cast.
Line 1Nine at the beginning 初九
Line text
官有渝，貞吉。出門交有功。
The standard changes. Steadfastness: good fortune. Going out the gate to mix with others brings results.
Your circumstances or standards are shifting. Stay true to principle while opening yourself to new people and views beyond your usual circle.
- Changing standards
- Openness to others
- Holding only to familiar opinions
- Gains from engaging outside your circle
Line 2Six in the second place 六二
Line text
係小子，失丈夫。
Clinging to the little boy, one loses the grown man.
Holding on to something minor or immature costs you something of real value. You cannot follow both.
- Choosing the lesser
- Trade-offs in loyalty
- Settling for what is easy or familiar
- Recognizing what is worth following
Line 3Six in the third place 六三
Line text
係丈夫，失小子。隨有求得，利居貞。
Clinging to the grown man, one lets go of the little boy. Following brings what one seeks. Favorable to stay steadfast.
Choosing the more worthwhile path means giving up something comfortable. The sacrifice is worth it, as long as you stay steady in your choice.
- Worthwhile sacrifice
- Committed choice
- Regretting a sound choice
- Finding what you were looking for
Line 4Nine in the fourth place 九四
Line text
隨有獲，貞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。
Following yields a catch. Steadfastness: misfortune. With sincerity on the way, and clarity, what fault could there be?
You attract followers or gain advantage, but self-interest could creep in. Stay sincere and clear about your motives, and there is nothing to blame.
- Gains and their risks
- Clarity of motive
- Flattery and hidden self-interest
- Influence used transparently
Line 5Nine in the fifth place 九五
Line text
孚于嘉，吉。
Sincere toward excellence: good fortune.
Following what is truly excellent, with full conviction, leads to good fortune. Devotion to the good is its own guide.
- Devotion to the good
- Wholehearted commitment
- Half-hearted commitment
- Good fortune through sincere dedication
Line 6Six at the top 上六
Line text
拘係之，乃從維之。王用亨于西山。
Seized and held fast, then bound tighter still. The king makes an offering on the Western Mountain.
A bond so strong it cannot be broken: someone wise is drawn back into the world because others will not let them go. Deep loyalty becomes something sacred.
- Unbreakable bonds
- Called back to serve
- Withdrawing when you are truly needed
- A connection that gives life meaning
Related hexagrams
Have a question on your mind?
Cast a readingChinese text: Zhouyi 周易 (received classical text). English rendering and notes: Site rendering. About our sources
Commentary
In Sui, thunder (strong movement) places itself below the lake (joy): the strong yields to the weak, and so wins its willing support. The hexagram explores following in both directions. A leader who adapts to the needs of others gets followers; a person who follows what is right stays free of blame. The reading may suggest a time to be flexible and responsive rather than insistent.
The image is a gentle one: when evening comes, go inside and rest. Adapting includes accepting the rhythm of activity and rest. The lines ask what or whom you are attaching yourself to. In relation to a question, Sui may emphasize choosing allegiances wisely and letting go of the less important to follow the more important.