10 履 Treading
Judgement
You step on the tiger's tail, and it does not bite. This is the image of someone who moves through dangerous ground with good manners and calm. With a firm step and a steady attitude, it tends to go well. This is not blind courage; it is knowing how to walk near something stronger than you. Mind your tone, your respect and your manner: what matters is not only where you are going, but how you walk toward it.
Image
Above, heaven; below, a lake. There is a natural order, high and low each in its place, and nobody complains about it. That is the image: telling what belongs to each thing and each person, and giving them stability. When everyone knows their place and what is expected of them, living together is easier. Ask yourself where your own place is and where you have pushed others aside.
Lines
Line 1
You walk your usual road. If you keep going, you are unlikely to go wrong. It is simple conduct, without pretension, and that is what makes it safe. You do not need to look for anything special. Going the ordinary way, with honesty, is a good way to start.
Line 2
You take a level, easy road: you are a quiet person, calm in character, a bit withdrawn. If you stay firm and upright, it tends to go well. You do not need to compete or prove anything. Ask yourself whether you move at your own pace or whether someone is pushing you into a hurry that is not yours.
Line 3
A one-eyed person who thinks they see well. A lame person who thinks they walk without trouble. Someone who steps on the tiger's tail and gets bitten. That is a bad sign: a braggart playing at great ruler. Ask yourself what you think you can do that in fact you cannot.
Line 4
You step on the tiger's tail, but this time with fear and caution. You go with your guard up, and that protects you. In the end, it tends to go well. Here fear helps: it makes you look where you put your foot. Prudence is not cowardice, it is respect.
Line 5
You advance with a decided, resolute step. Even if you are firm and in the right, there is danger. Determination without brakes is risky. Someone who is sure of everything and listens to no doubts moves toward what they cannot see. Ask yourself what the people around you say and how much notice you take. Resolve, with open eyes.
Line 6
Look back over the whole road you have traveled and examine what it tells you. If it is complete and without flaws, that is a very good sign. This is the moment to assess the course, not a single step. Ask yourself what pattern your decisions form and where they lead you.
Reflection
- Which tiger are you stepping on, and how carefully are you doing it?
- Where have you trusted your strength more than the situation allows?
- What does the road you have traveled so far say about you?