Hexagram 5 · ䷄
Waiting brings good fortune; perseverance brings deliverance. What cloud is this, that brings no rain? It merely drifts from the west.
Success comes through patient waiting and maintaining correct conduct. The gathering clouds have not yet released their rain, but the moisture slowly drifts eastward. Perseverance in difficult times brings eventual deliverance.
The upper trigram represents clouds ascending; the lower represents rain descending. This is not yet the time for rain. Delivering through perseverance.
The Tuan shows clouds rising in the sky while rain has not yet fallen. This represents the tension of waiting—not yet time for action, but the situation is building toward resolution. Those who endure with proper conduct will be delivered.
Residing on the mountain shows the image of Waiting. The noble person drinks and eats simply, remaining serene despite the hardships of their situation.
The mountain setting sun suggests a brief rest before nightfall. The noble person, facing the waiting period, drinks and eats sparingly while remaining content in hardship. They understand that waiting is itself a form of action requiring patience and proper conduct.
Waiting at the edge of the wilderness. It is beneficial to remain correct. No error.
You wait at the edge of untamed wilderness. Maintaining correct principles during this uncertainty brings no error. Simply continue to wait.
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At the edge of the wilderness, one remains correct and waits for the proper time.
Waiting at the wilderness's edge while maintaining correctness shows virtue awaiting its proper time.
Waiting at the hill. Perseverance brings deliverance. Entering the cavern, no error.
Resting at the hill, you strengthen yourself. With patience and perseverance, deliverance will come. Entering the cave-like shelter brings no error.
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Waiting at the hill shows one has strayed from the proper path but still seeks guidance.
Resting at the hill demonstrates a brief pause before advancing toward the proper path.
Waiting in the midst of battle. Danger. Yet no error.
You find yourself surrounded by conflict, yet waiting brings danger but no blame. Continue to wait with awareness.
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In the midst of battle, danger surrounds, yet maintaining correct waiting brings no error.
Being surrounded by conflict yet avoiding error shows danger navigated through patient waiting.
Waiting while wine and food arrive, honored guests arriving.
While you wait, provisions arrive. Those of noble character gather around you naturally, honoring your virtue.
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Wine and food arrive as one waits with proper virtue, honored guests approach naturally.
Wine and food arriving while honored guests approach reflects virtue drawing the worthy near.
Waiting at the pass, danger. A companion's trust must be awaited. This is proper.
At the mountain pass, danger threatens. You must await a trusted companion before proceeding. This is the proper course.
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At the strategic pass, danger demands patience. Trust must be established before proceeding.
The strategic pass presents danger, but trusting a companion reflects proper caution.
An honored guest arrives, humble rites employed. Three guests come, accept them with courtesy.
A distinguished guest arrives seeking alliance. Using humble courtesy, you receive them well. When three guests come, welcoming each properly brings good fortune.
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Honored guests arrive with humility, and three guests come—receiving them properly brings good fortune.
Honored guests arriving with humility and three visitors received courtesy shows the power of humble virtue.