Hexagram 57
Upper · Xùn (Wind) | Lower · Xùn (Wind)
Penetration · gentleness · wind · influence · persistence · obedience
Hexagram 57, Xùn (巽), is about penetration, gentleness, and wind. Xùn represents the power of gentle, persistent influence—like wind that finds its way into every corner.
"Sun intimates that there will be some little attainment and progress. There will be advantage in movement onward."
Xùn represents the power of gentle, persistent influence—like wind that finds its way into every corner. Though the progress may seem modest at first, steady advancement in your chosen direction will prove fruitful. Seek out those of wisdom and authority; their guidance will help you navigate this time of subtle but deep penetration.
"The subject advances and retreats; it would be advantageous for him to have the firm correctness of a brave soldier."
Hesitation and wavering undermine your progress. Cultivate the resolve of a warrior—clear intention and steady commitment will carry you forward.
"The representative of Sun beneath a couch, employing diviners and exorcists in a way bordering on confusion. There will be good fortune and no error."
Humble service and genuine sincerity, even when expressed through unconventional means, bring blessing. Your honest heart matters more than perfect form.
"Its subject penetrating by violent and repeated efforts. There will be occasion for regret."
Excessive force and relentless pressure corrupt the gentle nature of this time. Regret follows when you abandon subtlety for aggression. Let go of strain.
"All occasion for repentance passed away. He takes game for its threefold use in his hunting."
Balanced flexibility yields abundant reward. When you align effort with circumstance, remorse dissolves and your endeavors bear rich fruit.
"With firm correctness there will be good fortune; all occasion for repentance will disappear, and all his movements will be advantageous. There may have been no good beginning, but there will be a good end. Three days before making changes, give notice; three days after, reconsider. There will be good fortune."
Steady, principled persistence transforms even uncertain beginnings into success. Communicate your intentions clearly and allow time for reflection. Consistency and patience are your greatest allies.
"The representative of penetration beneath a couch, having lost the axe with which he executed his decisions. However firm and correct he may try to be, there will be evil."
Excessive submission drains you of your own power and resources. Gentleness without backbone becomes self-betrayal. Preserve your capacity to act decisively.
Advance through persuasion and genuine connection rather than pressure. Your influence grows strongest when you remain flexible and adapt to circumstances. Seek mentorship from those of greater experience; their wisdom will guide your path forward. Steady, consistent effort in your chosen direction will open doors you did not anticipate.
Let your care flow naturally into the heart of the other, without force or demand. Genuine attention and patient presence create deeper bonds than any grand gesture. Show up consistently, listen with sincerity, and allow trust to build gradually. Your steady, unassuming devotion will be felt and cherished.
Daily, modest practice accumulates into mastery. Avoid the trap of intense, sporadic effort; instead, commit to gentle, regular engagement with what you wish to learn. The repetition itself becomes the teacher. Over time, knowledge will settle into you as naturally as wind moves through all spaces.
Build your enterprise through consistent communication and authentic relationship with customers and partners. Soft persuasion and reliable service create lasting loyalty where aggressive tactics breed resistance. Let your brand message flow steadily into the market; persistence and integrity will establish your presence everywhere.
Beware of confusing gentleness with weakness or excessive compliance. Do not abandon your own judgment or resources in the name of harmony. Hesitation and indecision will undermine your progress; cultivate clarity of purpose. Remain flexible, yet hold firm to your core values and capacity for decisive action.
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.