Dun · 遁

Judgment (卦辞)

Retreat. Success. In small matters, perseverance furthers. The light is retreating before the advancing dark. This is not cowardice but strategic withdrawal. By retreating in good order, one preserves strength for better times.

遁：亨，小利贞。

Image (象辞)

Mountain under heaven — the image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, not angrily but with reserve. The mountain stands firm while heaven moves away; dignified withdrawal maintains moral authority.

天下有山，遁；君子以远小人，不恶而严。

Modern Application

Dun teaches strategic retreat — withdrawing gracefully from unfavorable situations to preserve strength. Essential for pivoting under pressure, divestment decisions, and maintaining dignity in retreat.

遁教导战略性撤退——优雅地从不利局面撤出以保存力量。对压力下的转向、撤资决策和在撤退中保持尊严至关重要。