Hexagram 17 隨 changing to hexagram 15 謙
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 1, 3, 4, 5.
What to read
Four changing lines: read the two unchanged lines of the resulting hexagram; the lower one is the main one. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
Hexagram 15 謙, line 2
鳴謙，貞吉。
The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Hexagram 15 謙, line 6
鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。
The sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 17 隨 — judgment
元亨。利貞。无咎。
Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.
Hexagram 15 謙 — judgment
亨，君子有終。
Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).
The changing lines of hexagram 17
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 官有渝，貞吉。出門交有功。 | The first line, undivided, shows us one changing the object of his pursuit; but if he be firm and correct, there will he good fortune. Going beyond (his own) gate to find associates, he will achieve merit. |
| 3 | 係丈夫，失小子。隨，有求得利，居貞。 | The third line, divided, shows us one who cleaves to the man of age and experience, and lets go the little boy. Such following will get what it seeks; but it will be advantageous to adhere to what is firm and correct. |
| 4 | 隨有獲，貞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。 | The fourth line, undivided, shows us one followed and obtaining (adherents). Though he be firm and correct, there will be evil. If he be sincere (however) in his course, and make that evident, into what error will he fall? |
| 5 | 孚于嘉，吉。 | The fifth line, undivided, shows us (the ruler) sincere in (fostering all) that is excellent. There will be good fortune. |
English: James Legge (1882), public domain. Chinese: Zhou Yi.
Data: English Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0); Chinese Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.