17. Following

Judgment

随：元亨利贞，无咎。

Supreme success, perseverance furthers, no blame. Follow the times and people's hearts—on the condition of what is right.

Image

泽中有雷，随；君子以向晦入宴息。

Thunder in the middle of the lake: the image of following. At nightfall the noble person goes indoors for rest—honouring natural rhythm.

Lines

1. Line 1, yang (nine)

   初九：官有渝，贞吉。出门交有功。

   The standard is changing; perseverance brings good fortune. Going out of the door in company produces deeds. Stay open; learn from outside.

2. Line 2, yin (six)

   六二：系小子，失丈夫。

   If one clings to the little boy, one loses the strong man. Chasing short-term gains loses the larger picture.

3. Line 3, yin (six)

   六三：系丈夫，失小子。随有求得，利居贞。

   If one clings to the strong man, one loses the little boy; through following one finds what one seeks. Make the trade-off and hold the direction.

4. Line 4, yang (nine)

   九四：随有获，贞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。

   Following creates success; perseverance brings misfortune. To go one's way with sincerity brings clarity—how could there be blame? When gains come too fast, check their legitimacy.

5. Line 5, yang (nine)

   九五：孚于嘉，吉。

   Sincere in the good: good fortune. Follow true value.

6. Line 6, yin (six)

   上六：拘系之，乃从维之。王用亨于西山。

   He meets with firm allegiance and is still further bound. The king introduces him to the Western Mountain. Deep commitment, ritualised loyalty.

In the enterprise

The hexagram of adaptation, following and change leadership: following market trends, fast-follower strategies, how leaders earn followership. Its condition is steadfastness: adapt without losing integrity.

Psychological lens

Resonates with cognitive flexibility and work–recovery research: 'going indoors to rest at nightfall' makes rest part of adaptability.

Related hexagrams

Situations in the library that use this hexagram

• Too many strategic options Enterprise, Line 3, yin (six)
• Choosing a technology vendor Enterprise, Line 1, yang (nine)
• Agile vs. traditional management Enterprise, Judgment
• Sales incentives driving short-termism Enterprise, Line 4, yang (nine)
• Outside directors bringing new perspectives Enterprise, Line 1, yang (nine)
• Passion or stability? Individuals, Line 3, yin (six)
• Managing energy Individuals, Judgment
• Should I change jobs? Individuals, Line 1, yang (nine)
• Aligning money goals with life goals Individuals, Line 5, yang (nine)
• The urge to chase and panic-sell Individuals, Line 4, yang (nine)
• An irregular daily rhythm Individuals, Judgment
• Studies vs. personal interests Individuals, Line 2, yin (six)

Situation readings are a reflective framework for discussion—not predictions and not a substitute for professional advice.