Hexagram #33
Dun · 遁
乾 above · 艮 below
Hexagram 33, Dun (遁), combines the Qian (upper) and Gen (lower) trigrams. Retreat.
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。
Trigram Composition
Upper: ☰ Qian (乾)
Heaven · Creative, Strong
Lower: ☶ Gen (艮)
Mountain · Keeping Still, Resting
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。
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Frequently Asked Questions常见问题
What does Hexagram 33 (Dun) mean?第 33 卦 遁 是什么意思？+
Hexagram 33, Dun (遁), represents the interaction of Qian (above) and Gen (below). 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
What are the trigrams of Hexagram 33?第 33 卦的上下卦是什么？+
Hexagram 33 has Qian as the upper trigram and Gen as the lower trigram.
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