24 · Return (FÙ)
Return is the moment when new strength comes back from its smallest beginning. It is also the ability to return to the right way after losing it. The earlier the return, the smaller the cost.
The judgment
Return: success. Going out and coming in without illness; friends come without blame. Repeating the path, in seven days comes Return. Favourable to have somewhere to go.
Return is not regression but a new beginning within a larger rhythm. Movement is unharmed, friends support, and the right path reappears in its cycle.
Original Chinese text
復，亨。出入無疾，朋來無咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。
The six lines
- 初九 · Line 1 — Return from not far away; no deep regret. Great good fortune.
Original Chinese
不復遠，無袛悔，元吉。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Restful return. Good fortune.
Original Chinese
休復，吉。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Frequent return. Danger, no blame.
Original Chinese
頻復，厲，無咎。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Walking among others, return alone.
Original Chinese
中行獨復。
- 六五 · Line 5 — Thick, wholehearted return. No regret.
Original Chinese
敦復，無悔。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Lost return: ominous, with disaster and fault. If armies are moved, there is great defeat; disaster for the ruler, and for ten years no campaign can succeed.
Original Chinese
迷復，凶，有災眚。用行師，終有大敗，以其國君凶。至于十年不克征。