H-10

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Hexagram 10

by James Byrd

I. The Oracle 

A. Treading Carefully, with this we see it is best to display correct conduct, there will be progress if one does not, intentionally or unintentionally steps on the Tiger`s Tail. We must guard our speech and behavior in that these premature actions do not bring the ceiling down on all in the room. Hexagram Ten in short means not to tread on the tail of the strong, their position is just that, the place of the strong. When all puzzle pieces are correctly adjutant they are in their correctly appointed places.

   1. The Tiger`s Tail.
   2. This means that one must mind his or her manners or bad things will happen, in most cases, staying within the means, or middle way is the appropriate action at this time. The will of the people will suffice.

B. The Image

  1. Heaven above, the lake below, hence, that of the sky above that of a marsh. There the Tiger hides with his mighty claws waiting for prey, you are not by nature his prey, so he ignores your scent, but you must be careful as not to step on his tail as you are now following very close to satisfaction and pleasure, albeit, the wheel of fortune.
      a) The image, thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.
      b) Treading on the Tiger`s Tail. It does not bite the man. Success.

II. My interpretation

A. The story is that of the one-eyed man who thinks he sees all, but steps on the Tiger`s Tail, because he only sees things in one way, that of a Bravo who at the moment is acting out, and his aims are too violent. If only this person would be somewhat apprehensive during these times. If so there will be good fortune for all. It is the act of the people that should prevail, the mere act, will not be colluded towards any circumstance. If only the man would not jester on his own accord, but instead, act in accordance with the will of the people, let the audience vote on the answer, which will be the correct dynamics of the place. If this man is not of a quite type and of a somewhat solitary type demeanor while occupying his correct potion, then all will not fare well. Mind you again, he is not the one the tiger is stalking, but if he steps in the wrong concerns without the consent of his people, there will be peril. Now if he does indeed watches his steps and heed the omens, all is well for all. 

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References Huang, Kerson and Rosemary (1987). I Ching
Karcher, S. and Ritesema, R. (1995). I Ching: The Classic Chinese Oracle of Change [The First Complete Translation with Concordance]
Legge, James (2012). The I Ching: The Book of Changes (Sacred Books of China: The Book of Changes)
Reifler, S. (1974) I Ching: The World's Oldest and Most Revered System of Fotune Telling
Van Over, R. (1971), i ching
Wilhelm, R. and Baynes. C.F. (1967). The I Ching, or, Book of Changes (Bollingen Series XIX)
Wilhelm, Hellmut and Richard Wilhelm (1995). Understanding the I Ching

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