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Hexagram 33
Retreat
遁 · Dùn
Trigram Composition
Upper Trigram
Heaven
Lower Trigram
Mountain
The Judgment (彖)
Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
The Image (象)
Mountain under heaven. The superior person keeps the inferior at a distance, not angrily but with reserve.
Meaning
Strategic withdrawal. When inferior forces are advancing, the wise person retreats with dignity rather than engaging in futile struggle. This is strength, not weakness.
Advice
Know when to pull back. Retreating now is not defeat — it's wisdom. Maintain your dignity and set clear boundaries. The time to advance will come again.
Keywords
Strategic withdrawalDignityTimingBoundariesStrength