A photograph I took at Killbear Provincial Park this autumn - the lake stretched flat beneath a clear, high sky, reminded me of one of the oldest teachings in the Chinese philosophical tradition.
Hexagram 10 of the Yi Jing. 天澤履 (Tiān Zé Lǚ). Heaven over Lake. Known in English as Treading or Conduct.
It is not the first hexagram people usually hope to receive. But it may be one of the most useful.
The Yi Jing — The Book of Changes
The Yi Jing, or Book of Changes, is one of the oldest Chinese philosophical classics, with roots stretching back more than 3,000 years. It teaches us that everything in the universe is constantly changing - and that understanding the natural order of these changes helps us navigate life more wisely.
The Yi Jing consists of 64 hexagrams, each representing different circumstances and patterns of change. Traditionally, we consult it using three coins or yarrow stalks.
Rather than simply predicting the future, the Yi Jing helps us understand our present situation, recognize potential challenges, and determine how best to proceed. It is a book of pattern recognition more than prophecy - a mirror held up to the moment rather than a window into what comes next.
Hexagram 10 — Heaven Over Lake
Hexagram 10 is not necessarily the most favourable one to receive when beginning a new project. It suggests that difficulties, or even failure, may arise if we act carelessly or disregard the proper order of things.
Interestingly, its third line is a Yin line occupying a Yang position, suggesting a potential imbalance built into the moment itself. The message is clear: success is possible, but only when we understand our position, respect the appropriate order, and proceed with caution.
Follow the correct order. Know your place in the greater picture. Take each step with awareness. Even a difficult path can lead to success when we walk it wisely.
Treading on the Tiger’s Tail
One of the most striking classical images associated with Hexagram 10 is 履虎尾 - treading on the tiger’s tail.
The hexagram’s judgment reads:
「履虎尾，不咥人，亨。」
“Treading on the tiger’s tail without being bitten, success.”
However, the third line specifically warns of the opposite:
「履虎尾，咥人，凶。」
“Treading on the tiger’s tail — the tiger bites. Misfortune.”
That contrast is the whole teaching in miniature. The same situation can lead to success or failure depending on how we conduct ourselves.
The tiger has not moved. The tail is where it has always been. What changes is us, our awareness, our timing, our humility, our willingness to notice where we actually are.
What Does It Mean to Follow the Correct Way?
More than 2,000 years ago, the Huang Di Nei Jing (黃帝內經), or Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, discussed this very question.
The Yellow Emperor asked his physician, Qi Bo, why people in ancient times were said to live beyond 100 years, while people of his own time were already aging prematurely by the age of 50. Was it because the world had changed, or because people had lost the correct Way of living?
Qi Bo replied:
「上古之人，其知道者，法於陰陽，和於術數，食飲有節，起居有常，不妄作勞，故能形與神俱，而盡終其天年，度百歲乃去。」
“In ancient times, those who understood the Way followed the principles of Yin and Yang, lived in harmony with the natural order, ate and drank in moderation, maintained regular routines, and avoided unnecessary exhaustion. Thus, their bodies and spirits remained together in harmony, allowing them to fulfill their natural lifespan and live beyond one hundred years.”
Then he explained how people had gradually lost this wisdom:
「今時之人不然也，以酒為漿，以妄為常，醉以入房，以欲竭其精，以耗散其真，不知持滿，不時御神，務快其心，逆於生樂，起居無節，故半百而衰也。」
“People of the present time are different. They drink wine as though it were water, make excessive behaviour their habit, exhaust their Jing (essence) through desire, and scatter their true vitality. They do not know how to preserve their energy or regulate their spirit. Seeking temporary pleasures, they disregard the natural order of life and live without regularity. Consequently, they begin to decline by the age of fifty.”
This teaching remains remarkably relevant today.
The Modern Trap
We often believe that moving faster, working harder, and doing more will bring us greater success.
Yet ancient wisdom reminds us that there is a proper time for everything: a time to move forward, a time to rest, a time to expand, and a time to conserve our energy.
Following the correct Way does not mean blindly obeying rules. It means observing nature, understanding our circumstances, recognizing our place within the greater order, and acting accordingly.
Just as Hexagram 10 teaches us, success is not necessarily achieved by forcing our way forward. Sometimes, the safest and most successful path is to understand the order of things and walk carefully within it.
Do not force your own rhythm upon nature. Learn to recognize nature’s rhythm, and move with it.
Small Steps Toward the Way
It may be difficult to follow these fundamental laws of the Universe in our modern world. We don’t have to follow them perfectly, but we can certainly try.
Let’s put our phones down before it gets too late.
Let’s sit quietly and enjoy the peacefulness of the evening.
Instead of reading upsetting news before bedtime, let’s light a candle, watch its gentle flame, and allow our minds to settle.
There are so many little things we can incorporate into our daily lives to bring ourselves closer to the natural rhythms of the Universe.
We don’t need to change everything overnight. Even the smallest steps can bring us closer to living in harmony with nature.
After all, following the Way is not about perfection. It is about awareness, balance, and making small, conscious choices every day.
A Gentle Invitation
If your body is asking for support as we move deeper into autumn — or if you feel out of rhythm with the season — I would be honoured to help.
Or feel free to text 519-781-6957 or email info@trilliumchinesemedicine.com with any questions.
May you walk your path carefully, know your place in the greater picture, and tread lightly past whatever tiger lies in your way.