Hexagram 10: Treading (Conduct) (履 Lǚ) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 10 (履 Treading (Conduct))?

I Ching Hexagram 10, 履 (Lǚ), represents Treading (Conduct). It is formed by Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 10 mean?

The Image states: 'Heaven above, the lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 10 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how Treading (Conduct) manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 10 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 10 (Treading (Conduct)) follows Hexagram 9 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

履

Lǚ — Hexagram 10

Treading (Conduct)

Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 10, 履 (Lǚ), represents Treading (Conduct). Formed by Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below, this hexagram teaches about treading (conduct). The core message: Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 10 is formed by Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.

— I Ching, Treading (Conduct)

The Image

Heaven above, the lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: Simple conduct. Progress without blame.

Line 2: Line 2: Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man brings good fortune.

Line 3: Line 3: A one-eyed man is able to see, a lame man is able to tread. He treads on the tail of the tiger and the tiger bites the man. Misfortune. Thus does a warrior act on behalf of his great prince.

Line 4: Line 4: He treads on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection lead ultimately to good fortune.

Line 5: Line 5: Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger.

Line 6: Line 6: Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs. When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes.

Modern Application

Hexagram 10 is about navigating dangerous situations with proper conduct. The image of treading on a tiger's tail — and not being bitten — captures the essence of skillful social navigation. The hexagram teaches that behavior (Li, conduct) determines outcomes in hierarchical situations. Heaven above and Lake below represents the proper relationship between superior and subordinate: the joyful (Lake) serves the strong (Heaven) without conflict. In modern life, Treading applies to workplace politics, diplomatic situations, and any context where power differentials require careful conduct to avoid triggering defensive reactions.

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