The Standard Changes

Clinging to the Little Boy

"Clinging to the little boy, one loses the strong man."

Hexagram 17 line 2 means a choice of attachments: hold to what's small — petty desires, impulsive comforts, the whims of the inner child — and the connection to what's great is forfeited. You can't keep both. Release the inferior attachment, whatever it costs in immediate comfort; the path to greatness requires exactly that sacrifice. What you follow shapes what you become, and the little boy leads only in circles.

Clinging to the Strong Man

"Clinging to the strong man, one loses the little boy. Through following, one finds what one seeks. Steadfastness rewards."

Hexagram 17 line 3 means the same choice as before, rightly made: attaching to what's worthy, and feeling the real loss of what must be given up — ease, familiar company, a flattering self-image. The line is honest about the cost and clear about the reward: through this following, you find what you truly seek. Self-esteem can't be manufactured; it accrues from hard choices made for the good, even when they bring loneliness. Stay steadfast in the choice once made.

Followed for the Wrong Reasons

"Following brings success — but steadfastness in it brings misfortune. To walk one's way in sincerity brings clarity. How could there be blame in that?"

Hexagram 17 line 4 means success attracts followers, and their flattery is the danger: adherents drawn to your influence rather than to the truth, and the ego's pleasure in them. To persist in enjoying this kind of following corrupts. The remedy is to keep walking your own way in sincerity — serving the good rather than cultivating the entourage — and to see people's motives clearly without bitterness. Sincerity restores clarity, and clarity is blameless.

Sincere Toward the Good

"Sincere in following the good. Good fortune."

Hexagram 17 line 5 is the simplest and highest line: constancy toward what's genuinely good, held in the heart and followed in action. Keep your aim on the excellent — not the comfortable, not the impressive — and be vigilant in thoughts, actions, and relationships. Every step taken in this sincerity meets the assent of the Cosmos; the good fortune isn't a reward appended to the path but the nature of the path itself.

Bound to the Western Mountain

"He meets with firm allegiance and is bound still further. The king presents him at the Western Mountain."

Hexagram 17 line 6 means following completed becomes something followed: a person so proven in devotion to truth that others bind themselves to them, and the highest honours them in the holy place. Having been guided, you become a source of guidance — open and accessible to those in need, a vessel for something greater than yourself. This is the end of true following: not servitude, but such alignment with the way that the way itself confirms you.

Adapt with joy — but choose carefully what you follow.

Adapt to the moment — but choose carefully what you follow.

Adapt to the time — and lead by serving what you lead.

Adapt with grace — but choose carefully what the home follows.

Adapt to conditions — but choose carefully what you follow.

You become what you follow — choose the worthy, and rest.

Follow the right teacher and method — and remember to rest.

Follow where the work wants to go — choose influences well.

Adapt to the time — and follow only what deserves it.

Align with the truth — you become what you follow.

Adapt with the group — but choose what you follow carefully.

Adapt to the change with grace — and rest through the passage.