I-Ching Hexagram 10
履 Treading
Also known as Conduct
Walking carefully on dangerous ground. The figure is about conduct in charged situations — around power, around risk, among people of higher station.
treading · conduct · tact
The Story
A messenger had to cross a pass where a tiger slept across the trail. His companions said to turn back; his commission said to go on. He took off his bells. He took off his sword. He walked past the tiger with his eyes on the horizon, breathing like the wind through grass. The tiger opened an eye, watched him pass, and closed it. At the next village he delivered his letter and said nothing of the tiger. Tact is not fear. Tact is the discipline of acting as though nothing is in one's way, while knowing precisely what is.
The Judgment
Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.
The Image
Heaven above, the lake below: the image of treading. Thus the superior person discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.
Interpretation
Walking carefully on dangerous ground. The figure is about conduct in charged situations — around power, around risk, among people of higher station. Tact, timing, and a cheerful steadiness carry you through what force would ruin.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) Simple conduct. Progress without blame. Go about ordinary life in ordinary clothes; no affectation.
- Second Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man brings good fortune. Stay on the even path; flashy moves are not needed.
- Third A one-eyed man is able to see, a lame man is able to tread. He treads on the tail of the tiger. The tiger bites the man. Misfortune. A warrior acts thus for his great prince. Overreach by the under-equipped; only genuine capacity earns the position.
- Fourth He treads on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection lead ultimately to good fortune. Even in real danger, careful conduct prevails.
- Fifth Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger. Firmness is needed, but eyes wide open — not impulsive courage.
- Sixth (Top) Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs. When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes. Review the path walked; if it is whole, great fortune follows.