17. Following (随)

Line 2

If this line changes it transforms into 58. The Joyous (Lake) (兑)

2. The second line, divided, shows us one who cleaves to the little boy, and lets go the man of age and experience.

Modern reading

Six in the Second Place holds central balance but faces a clear dilemma between immediate comfort and higher, long-term alignment. Choosing the superficial over the noble risks forfeiting substantial guidance and lasting progress.

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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com).
Page: Hexagram 17 随 — Line 2.
Interpret through classical principles in two layers: 1) Structural Evidence: identify key line dynamics, changing line pivot, or element balance. 2) Actionable Verdict: direct answer to the inquiry in plain language, followed by 2–3 concrete next steps (action-verb first) and mindful cautions. Grounded wisdom for self-reflection. Source page:
https://eastalmanac.com/yijing/17/2

I Ching casting

Holding a central and correct yin position, Six in the Second Place finds itself pulled between its immediate proximity to Initial Nine below and its proper correspondence with Nine in the Fifth Place above.

Its transformation into Hexagram 58 (Joy) cautions against being seduced by transient pleasures at the expense of serious commitments. The Xiaoxiang commentary warns that one cannot embrace both paths simultaneously.

Letting go of petty attachments to honor your highest calling protects your future growth.

Career

Workplace scenarios may present a choice between clinging to small, comfortable alliances and aligning with overarching strategic leadership.

Classical readings note that clinging to the boy loses the mature man, cautioning against sacrificing long-range credibility for immediate, parochial favors.

Prioritizing substantive institutional goals over short-term office politics establishes your standing as a trustworthy professional.

Love & relationships

In romantic matters, this line highlights the tension between superficial infatuations and mature, enduring commitments. The traditional text cautions that indulging temporary emotional diversions ultimately undermines the deeper partnership you truly need.

Releasing fleeting, distracting attachments creates the space required for an honorable and lasting relationship.

Wealth

Financial decisions currently demand discrimination between quick speculative temptations and sound core holdings. Classical commentary advises that settling for minor short-term advantages can jeopardize larger strategic assets.

Resisting minor distractions and focusing resources on foundational plans safeguards your long-term stability.

References

Original text

Small Image

‘He cleaves to the little boy:’—he cannot be with the two at the same time.

Classical commentary

Zhouyi BenyiLine statement

The initial yang line is below and close; the fifth yang line is the proper resonance but far away. The second line is yin and yielding, unable to maintain itself to await the proper resonance; hence its image is like this.

Misfortune and humiliation can be known without needing to be stated. 'The mature man' refers to Nine in the Fourth Place; 'the young boy' also refers to the initial line.

The third line attaches closely to the fourth and loses the initial line; its image is directly opposite to Six in the Second Place. The fourth line is a yang line bearing responsibility, and the third follows it; whatever it seeks it will surely obtain.

Yet it is not a proper resonance, so there is suspicion of being improper and fawning corruptly; hence its prognosis is like this, further cautioning it to abide in correctness.舍 (shě): pronounced shě.

Yichuan YizhuanLine statement

The second line responds to the fifth and is adjacent to the initial line. In following, one prioritizes what is near; yielding and unable to hold fast, it is cautioned: 'If you cleave to the young boy, you lose the mature man.' The initial yang is below—this is the young boy.

The fifth line is the proper resonance above—this is the mature man. If the second line sets its mind on cleaving to the initial line, it loses the proper resonance of Nine in the Fifth Place, which is losing the mature man.

Cleaving to the young boy and losing the mature man, abandoning the proper resonance to follow what is improper, its fault is great indeed.

The second line possesses the virtue of central correctness, and does not necessarily act thus; yet in the time of Following, this caution must be given. The Xiang says: Cleaving to the young boy, one cannot associate with both.

In what one follows, attaining correctness keeps depravity at bay; following what is wrong loses what is right. There is no principle of following both. If the second line cleaves to the initial line, it loses the fifth; it cannot associate with both.

This cautions people that following correctness requires singleness of purpose.

Zhouyi ZhuLine statement

The nature of yin, dwelling in an age of following, cannot stand independently; it must attach itself to something. In the time of Following, its substance is soft and weak, riding upon a firm, stirring line; how could it hold its resolve and defy what is close at hand?

Following this one means losing that one; it cannot associate with both. The fifth line is above it and the initial line is below it; hence it says, 'cleaving to the young boy, one loses the mature man.'

Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement

From 'Six in the Second Place' to 'loses the mature man.' The Zhengyi commentary states: 'The young boy' refers to Nine at the Beginning. 'The mature man' refers to Nine in the Fifth Place. Nine at the Beginning occupies a lowly place, hence it is called 'the young boy.'

The fifth line occupies the honored position, hence it is called 'the mature man.' Six in the Second Place, being yin and yielding, cannot stand independently in its place; it must attach itself closely to Nine at the Beginning, hence 'cleaving to the young boy.'

Having attached to Nine at the Beginning, it cannot proceed to respond to the fifth, hence 'losing the mature man.'

Zhouyi ZhengyiSmall Image

The Zhengyi commentary states: Explaining the meaning of 'cleaving to the young boy.' Having followed this initial nine, it loses that mature man of Nine in the Fifth Place; it cannot possess both places at once, hence 'one cannot associate with both.'

Yicuo JinLine statement

Six in the Second Place, second line, medium-level: One matter has ended in vain, another turns into joy. If you meet someone by whose mouth words flow, your heart will find someone to lean upon.