Xu · 需

Judgment (卦辞)

Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Waiting means holding back — not because one is uncertain, but because the time is not yet ripe. Sincerity preserves inner clarity.

需：有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。

Image (象辞)

Clouds rise up into heaven — the image of Waiting. The superior man eats and drinks, rejoices in feasting and song. When clouds gather in the sky but rain has not yet fallen, one must wait with patience and trust. Joy in the present sustains the spirit through delay.

云上于天，需；君子以饮食宴乐。

Modern Application

Xu teaches strategic patience — not rushing before conditions are ready, while maintaining inner confidence. Critical for investment timing, market entry decisions, and long-term planning.

需教导战略性耐心——在条件未成熟时不要仓促行动，同时保持内在信心。对投资时机、市场进入决策和长期规划至关重要。