58 · The Joyous (DUÌ)
Two joined lakes suggest delight that can be shared. The Image turns this into friends studying and discussing together. The Tuan joins an inward firm center to an outward gentle manner. Six lines distinguish harmony and trust from flattery, then ask when to set a boundary and whom to trust. The final invitation toward joy remains unresolved rather than automatically good or bad.
The judgment
The Joyous: passage. Steadfastness is beneficial.
Joy can open a way, but delight alone is not a guide. Classical commentary warns that pleasing others can turn into flattery. The favorable condition is integrity within the pleasure.
Original Chinese text
兌：亨。利貞。
The six lines
- 初九 · Line 1 — Harmonious joy: auspicious.
Original Chinese
和兌，吉。
- 九二 · Line 2 — Joy with trust: auspicious; regret vanishes.
Original Chinese
孚兌，吉，悔亡。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Joy that comes seeking favor: unfortunate.
Original Chinese
來兌，凶。
- 九四 · Line 4 — Deliberating over joy, not yet at ease; separating from the harmful influence brings gladness.
Original Chinese
商兌，未寧，介疾有喜。
- 九五 · Line 5 — Placing trust in what erodes: there is danger.
Original Chinese
孚于剝，有厲。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Drawn toward joy.
Original Chinese
引兌。