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Writer's pictureJason Chan

#56 旅 Lu (Traveling)

Updated: Apr 28, 2023














Lu means travelling, with the underlying meaning of journeying through life.


What is this about?

This Gua is meant to be a lesson the Duke of Zhou gave to his young nephew, King Cheng Wang. It teaches him how to live the life of a benevolent ruler.


Data

56.0 小亨。旅貞吉

Persevere through small achievements. A person encounters small memorable moments during his life journey. Cherish these. Although you may encounter bumps in the road, your life becomes meaningful and smooth if it is led with sincerity, honesty, and determination.


56.1 初六旅瑣瑣。斯其所取災

Yin on Line 1: If a traveller concerns himself with pettiness, it will bring misfortune. Be generous. Give your time, talent, and energy to others. Understand that stinginess, small-mindedness, and meanness accumulate to cause harm later. What goes around, comes around.


56.2 六二旅即次。懷其資。得童僕貞

Yin on Line 2: There is sufficient money to find a good inn and a young

servant during the journey. Sometimes life is devoid of problems and filled with comfort and joy. You are blessed.


56.3 九三旅,焚其次,喪其童僕。貞厲

Yang on Line 3: The inn has burned down. The young servant flees. The situation is dangerous. The Duke of Zhou warned his nephew to control his temper. The burnt inn symbolises misfortune. Because of it, the traveller may lose his temper and punish his servant, who then leaves. In a problematic situation, maintain your composure. Your kindness will be rewarded.


56.4 九四旅于處。得其資斧。我心不快

Yang on Line 4: Upon finding a campsite, I am still unhappy even though I have an axe and a means of livelihood. Sometimes life is not what we want it to be. However, as long as you have the means to continue your temporary stay, you can look forward to a better tomorrow.


56.5 六五射雉,一矢亡。 終以譽命

Yin on Line 5: The pheasant is killed with one arrow. This will bring fame. Use your talent and determination to find new opportunities that will make your name known and respected.


56.6 上九鳥焚其巢。旅人先笑,後號咷。喪牛于易,凶

Yang on Line 6: The bird's nest is burnt. The traveller laughs at first and cries later. Unfortunately, he loses his ox. Here, the Duke of Zhou tells a different story from the one he describes in Line 3. The "bird's nest" refers to the inn, the ox, and the young servant. The traveller laughs upon seeing the devastated inn because it is not his property. However, when he realises the indiscretion, his servant has already left. Remorseful, the traveller cries. Showing compassion is virtuous. Do not make fun of another's misfortune. It could be you.


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