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What is Hexagram 17?

'Following' in the I Ching underscores aligning with right guidance and wise leadership, highlighting inner truth. It discusses leadership's duality, noting benefits of wisdom and risks of misguided authority. This hexagram stresses discernment in choosing leaders and maintaining independence, emphasizing open dialogue, inner sacrifice, truthful relationships, and a commitment to sincerity and truth.

Consult the I Ching 17 - hexagram 17 Following

I Ching Hexagram 17 - Following

Explore the importance of aligning with the right guidance, both externally and within. Discover what the I Ching has to say about wise leadership, caution, and the power of the inner truth.

Summary

The 'Following' hexagram uncovers the duality of leadership - the success born of wise guidance, and the potential downfall from misguided authority. This reading underlines the value of discernment in choosing who to follow.

Interpretation

Unearth the nuances of the 'Following' hexagram. Discover the potent blend of strong, stable leadership and the necessity of aligning oneself with such authority for success. This hexagram implores us to scrutinise those we follow and understand the gravity of our choice.

Line 1

Learn about the importance of open dialogue, deep listening, and how quiet confidence can be a tool for communicating truth, in the I Ching's teachings.

Line 2

Explore the concept of inner sacrifice, the release of petty desires, and the pursuit of the highest good as per the I Ching. Learn about the transformative journey towards personal growth and fulfilment.

Line 3

Understand the significance of truthful relationships and the sacrifices required to maintain them, and the I Ching's message on self-esteem and inner growth.

Line 4

Discover the wisdom of not becoming attached to success, maintaining independence, and following the path of good with clarity and purpose.

Line 5

Experience the teachings of the I Ching on the power of sincerity, the guidance of the Sage, and the path towards ultimate success and fulfilment.

Line 6

Uncover the I Ching's guidance on unwavering commitment to the truth, the support of the Sage, and how we can become vessels for a force greater than ourselves.

Learn more with this Hexagrams I Ching Video

Unveiling the Wisdom of Hexagram 17: A Guide to Personal Transformation

Dive into the ancient teachings of I Ching Hexagram 17, known as Following or Sui, as we uncover its profound wisdom for self-improvement, personal growth, enlightenment, and awakening. This exploration is not just an academic exercise; it's a practical journey into integrating timeless truths into our contemporary lives, fostering deep personal transformation and a richer understanding of our personal journeys.

Core Insights

Essence of Hexagram 17

Hexagram 17, Following, highlights the natural flow of life and the importance of adaptability and receptiveness in following the lead of others or the course of events. It suggests that by aligning ourselves with the natural order and the guidance of those who are wise, we can navigate life's changes with grace and ease.

Historical Wisdom

This hexagram has been seen as advice on the value of flexibility and the willingness to learn from others. It teaches that there is a time to lead and a time to follow, and recognising the appropriate time for each is the key to harmony and success.

Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

Reflective Questions

How can I be more receptive to the guidance and wisdom of those around me?
In what areas of my life might I benefit from adopting a more adaptable and flexible approach?
How can I better align my actions with the natural flow and order of life?

Actionable Insights

Practice active listening and openness in your interactions with others, valuing their perspectives and experiences as opportunities for learning.
Cultivate flexibility in your plans and goals, allowing space for new information and changing circumstances to guide your path.
Seek out mentors or role models who embody the qualities and wisdom you aspire to, and consider how you might follow their example in your own life.

Path to Enlightenment

Mindfulness Practices

Engage in mindfulness practices that encourage openness and fluidity, such as meditative flow exercises or yoga, to foster a greater sense of harmony with the rhythms of life.

Philosophical Reflections

Contemplate the balance between leading and following, considering how both roles play essential parts in personal growth and the collective human experience.

Awakening to Life’s Mysteries

Transformational Stories

Share stories that illustrate the power of following wisely, whether from your own life, historical examples, or spiritual teachings, showing how receptiveness and adaptability can lead to profound insights and transformation.

By exploring the wisdom of Hexagram 17, we learn the value of being open to guidance, the strength in flexibility, and the beauty of moving in harmony with life's natural rhythms, leading us toward greater personal growth and enlightenment.

More Information about the I Ching

Understanding the Structure of Hexagrams

Every hexagram in the I Ching, from the first hexagram to the 64th, is constructed using a combination of trigrams. These trigrams, the building blocks of every I Ching hexagram, represent different natural elements and concepts, such as wind, water, fire, and mountain. The upper trigram and lower trigram interact, giving birth to the unique energy of the hexagram. By delving into the trigrams that compose a hexagram, one can unearth its deeper meanings and implications.

The Timeless Nature of I Ching

The I Ching, often referred to as the Book of Changes or Yijing, has remained relevant due to its universal themes. While society has evolved, the essential human emotions and challenges we face remain. The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching address these timeless concerns, making it an untiring guide for introspection and growth. Whether you're contemplating the creative power of Hexagram 1 or the dynamic interplay in other hexagrams, the wisdom remains ceaseless.

The Philosophical Foundations of I Ching

The I Ching is deeply rooted in Taoist and Confucian philosophies. It's a reflection of the world's natural order, emphasising the dynamics of yin and yang. Studying the hexagrams provides insights into the ancient Chinese understanding of balance, change, and harmony in the universe.

How to Consult the I Ching

Traditionally, seekers would consult the I Ching using yarrow stalks or coins. The divinatory process, often seen as an interaction with the oracle, results in a specific hexagram. This hexagram, whether it be the light-giving Hexagram 1 or another, provides guidance tailored to the individual's query. Modern enthusiasts might also opt for a free I Ching reading online to understand their current situation better.

Incorporating I Ching Hexagram 17 into Daily Life

Hexagram 17, symbolising the art of following, provides insights into adaptability and learning. The six lines of this hexagram emphasise the importance of being open and receptive. In our ever-changing world, Hexagram 17 guides us to remain pliable, to seek guidance, and to be ever-willing to evolve, ensuring that we align with life's ebbs and flows.

Incorporating I Ching into Self-Improvement and Personal Growth

The I Ching, with its intricate tapestry of hexagrams, serves as a profound compass for those on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth. Each hexagram offers insights into life's challenges and opportunities, guiding individuals to introspect, evolve, and align with the universe's natural rhythms.

Regularly consulting the I Ching offers a bridge to ancient wisdom, helping seekers tap into their inner strengths and potentials. The detailed interpretations of each hexagram, from the dynamics of its yang and yin lines to its overarching message, act as roadmaps for personal development. They shed light on one's strengths, highlight areas for growth, and provide direction in times of uncertainty.

For those dedicated to personal evolution, the I Ching is an invaluable guide. It aids in discerning the optimal paths in life, understanding relationship dynamics, and fostering a harmonious balance in all endeavours. Through its teachings, individuals are equipped to cultivate essential virtues like patience, resilience, and empathy. This not only empowers personal growth but also enables one to be a positive force in the broader world.

In today's rapidly changing world, the I Ching remains a pillar of timeless wisdom. It beckons individuals to journey inward, embrace continuous learning, and cherish the ever-evolving process of self-betterment.

Consult I Ching

Choose a Hexagram Number

How to use the coin method to consult the I Ching

Consult the I Ching online. Use our coin method simulation and build your own hexagram.

Number	Title	Name
1	CH'IEN	The Creative
2	K'UN	The Receptive
3	CHUN	Difficulty at the Beginning
4	MÊNG	Youthful Folly
5	HSÜ	Waiting (Nourishment)
6	SUNG	Conflict
7	SHIH	The Army
8	PI	Holding Together
9	HSIAO CH'U	The Taming Power of the Small
10	LÜ	Treading (Conduct)
11	TAI	Peace
12	P'I	Standstill (Stagnation)
13	T'UNG JÊN	Fellowship with others
14	TA YU	Possession in Great Measure
15	CH'IEN	Modesty
16	YÜ	Enthusiasm
17	SUI	Following
18	KU	Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Decay)
19	LIN	Approach
20	KUAN	Contemplation
21	SHIH HO	Biting Through
22	PI	Grace
23	PO	Splitting Apart
24	FU	Return
25	WU WANG	Innocence
26	TA CH'U	The Taming Power of the Great
27	I	Providing Nourishment
28	TA KUO	Preponderance of the Great
29	K'AN	The Abysmal (Water)
30	LI	The Clinging Fire
31	HSIEN	Influence
32	HÊNG	Duration
33	TUN	Retreat
34	TA CHUANG	The Power of the Great
35	CHIN	Progress
36	MING I	Darkening of the Light
37	CHIA JÊN	The Family
38	K'UEI	Opposition
39	CHIEN	Obstruction
40	HSIEH	Deliverance
41	SUN	Decrease
42	I	Increase
43	KUAI	Breakthrough (Resoluteness)
44	KOU	Coming to Meet
45	TS'UI	Gathering Together
46	SHÊNG	Pushing Upward
47	K'UN	Oppression (Exhaustion)
48	CHING	The Well
49	KO	Revolution
50	TING	The Cauldron
51	CHÊN	The Arousing (Shock)
52	KÊN	Keeping Still
53	CHIEN	Gradual Progress
54	KUEI MEI	The Marrying Maiden
55	FÊNG	Abundance
56	LÜ	The Wanderer
57	SUN	The Gentle
58	TUI	The Joyous, Lake
59	HUAN	Dispersion
60	CHIEH	Limitation
61	CHUNG FU	Inner Truth
62	HSIAO KUO	Preponderance of the Small
63	CHI CHI	After Completion
64	WEI CHI	Before Completion