Hexagram 5 of 64
Waiting需
Clouds rise up to heaven. The noble person eats, drinks and is at ease.
- Upper
- Water
- Lower
- Heaven
- Order
- 5 / 64
有孚，光亨。貞吉，利涉大川。
Judgment: Have trust, and the way is bright and open. Steadiness brings good fortune. It helps to cross the great river.
雲上於天，需；君子以飲食宴樂。
Image: Clouds rise up to heaven. The noble person eats, drinks and is at ease.
In plain words
The situation: The time has not come. You need to wait.
What you can do: Prepare calmly and move when the moment arrives.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上六入于穴，有不速之客三人來，敬之終吉。You enter the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Treat them with respect and good fortune comes in the end.In shortUnexpected people or events arrive; treat them with respect and it ends well.
- 九五需于酒食，貞吉。Waiting with wine and food. Steadiness brings good fortune.In shortUse the wait to rest and recharge; staying steady goes well.
- 六四需于血，出自穴。Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.In shortYou are already in a tight spot; stay calm and find your way out.
- 九三需于泥，致寇至。Waiting in the mud. This draws raiders.In shortYou are waiting too close to trouble and may draw it in; stay alert.
- 九二需于沙，小有言，終吉。Waiting on the sand. There is some talk, but good fortune in the end.In shortThere may be some gossip or friction; stay patient and it ends well.
- 初九需于郊，利用恆，无咎。Waiting in the open country. It helps to keep to what lasts. No fault.In shortTrouble is still far off; keep your normal pace and wait. No real problem.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.