33. Tun; Retreat Above; Ch'ien the Creative heaven Below; Ken, Keeping still Mountain. |
21st Century | Comparisons |
| There is a huge difference between a retreat and a rout. A
retreat is withdrawing in an orderly and strategic manner, a rout is a
headlong flight, a succumbing to panic. One is lethal, the other promotes
preservation. We cannot always be winning. Sometimes we have to move
back.
On occasion the elements of an enterprise no longer remain propitious to the growth of the enterprise. To know when to move and salvage a situation is the soul of preparedness. To avoid catastrophe it is absolutely critical to be able to hold things together when there is a reversal. To lose nothing of the vision that moved you forward in the first place in the face of a retreat is indicative a superior person. One who can retain the integrity of their vision yet remain flexible enough to know when it is best to cut their losses and retire. Knowing when and how to do this lessens the sum total of pain in the world and in that is a benefit to all. |
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Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) a retiring tail. The position is perilous. No movement in any direction should be made.
b) At the tail. in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything.
c) He turns tail. Peril. Take no action whatsoever.
d) Peril! Withdraw! Keep still - though tail yet show.
a) Holding (his [purpose) fast as if a (thong made from the ) hide of a yellow ox, which cannot be broken.
b) He holds him fast with a yellow ox hide. No one can tear him loose.
c) He hold to his purpose with an unbreakable thong of yellow ox hide.
d) Hold fast thy purpose subtly, even so.
a) lone retiring but bound, - to his distress and peril. (If he were to deal with his binders as in) nourishing a servant or concubine, it would be fortunate for him.
b) A halted retreat is nerve-wracking and dangerous. To retain people as men - and maidservants Brings good fortune.
c) He is entangled and withdraws in danger and distress. Deal as generously with you oppressors as you would with a servant or a concubine. Auspicious.
d) Gracious to them that bind thee, hate their ire;
a) retiring notwithstanding his likings. In a superior man this will lead to good fortune; a small man cannot attain this.
b) Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man And downfall to the inferior man.
c) He withdraws although he would rather not. Auspicious for the great; unattainable for the small.
d) Meagre their will, the great have wit to retire.
a) retiring in an admirable way. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
b) Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
c) He withdraws sensibly. Auspicious if you keep to your course.
d) Retreat in order - even the gods admire.
a) retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect.
b) Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.
c) He withdraws nobly. Improvement in every way.
d) Retreat with dignity - rekindle the fire!