17. Following (Following)
Moving with the times and adapting to circumstance. Flexibility and going with the flow bring good fortune, but hold on to your principles — don't follow blindly.
Plain-Language Translation: Originating, prevailing, favorable, and correct — without blame.
Plain-Language Translation: Sui — the firm comes down and places itself beneath the yielding; there is movement, and there is joy — this is following. Great prevailing through steadfastness brings no blame, and the whole world follows the moment as it comes. Great indeed is the meaning of Sui's timeliness!
Plain-Language Translation: Thunder sounds within the lake, picturing following the moment; the noble person, as evening darkens, goes in to rest.
Modern Application Guide
Career: Adapting flexibly to the team or market shift opens opportunities — just hold on to your own principles while you do.
Relationships: Being willing to move at the other person's pace smooths things over — just don't lose yourself in the process.
Wealth: Adjusting your strategy with the market trend is wise — blindly following the crowd is riskier.
Health: Adjusting your routine and diet based on how your body actually responds works better than rigidly sticking to a plan.
Line-by-Line Detail
官有渝，从正吉也。出门交有功，不失也
Things are just getting underway; strength is still building, and the moment to show it openly hasn't arrived.
系小子，弗兼与也
Sitting in the inner middle position, a gentle, cooperative approach suits best — this is a supporting role, not a leading one.
系丈夫，志舍下也
You're at a transition point between inner and outer, feeling soft amid a shifting situation — a little unease is natural here.
随有获，其义凶也。有孚在道，明功也
You're drawing close to the center of power or authority — a sensitive spot where every word and move gets noticed.
孚于嘉，吉；位正中也
You're in the central, honored position — a key stage to lead and earn the trust of others.
拘系之，上穷也
This chapter is drawing to a close, settling into stillness — a time to look back and let things settle.