Hexagram 17 – Following
Following Brings Supreme Success
Hexagram 17 – Following By: James Byrd
I. The Oracle
A. Name and Trigrams Hexagram Seventeen is Sui, meaning Following.
- Lower Trigram: Zhen (Shake, Thunder)
- Upper Trigram: Dui (Joy, Lake or Marsh)
B. The Judgment
Following brings supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No disruptions at the moment. A favorable sign—the Sign of the Great Sacrifice.
C. The Image
The Lake is above Thunder: This forms the image of Following. Thus, the Superior Man, at nightfall, Withdraws indoors to rest and replenish.
II. Interpretation – “Following”
Following is not passive. It is strategic alignment with a path, a person, or a principle. This hexagram suggests choosing to follow—not out of weakness—but out of intention. We see this in the way one might yield their ego or personal goals temporarily to support a greater good or collective progress.
Imagine a person with great potential who, rather than assert control too early, submits to the rhythm of mentorship, discipline, and trust. In doing so, they follow a sacred pattern—led by their Merkabah-like inner spirit—guided always toward the eye of purpose, the eye of God.
Sometimes, leadership requires a moment of stepping back, humbling oneself. As in the film Remo Williams, the master, Cho, positions himself as subordinate—not because he is lesser, but because true guidance demands service. This, too, is Following.
We do not blindly follow—we align with that which holds integrity, that which refines and challenges us. In the darkness, the Superior Man rests—not in defeat, but in preparation.
Application Insight In business, this hexagram may suggest a time to listen closely, realign with purpose, or submit ego in service of the team, client, or mission. It favors mentorship, succession planning, and principled loyalty. The wise leader follows first, in order to be truly followed later.
Next up: The Tao of Christmas – Taoism.net
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