10. Lü / Worrying the Tiger
(Heaven above Lake)
Description
Heaven shines down on the Marsh which reflects it back imperfectly:
Though the Superior Man carefully discriminates between high and low, and acts in accord with the flow of the Tao, there are still situations where a risk must be taken.
You tread upon the tail of the tiger.
Not perceiving you as a threat, the startled tiger does not bite.
Success.
Analysis
You have reached a perilous point in your journey.
This is a real gamble -- not a maneuver, not a calculated risk.
The outcome is uncertain.
If it goes as you hope, you will gain -- but if it turns against you it will cause serious injury, at least to your plans.
The best tack is extreme caution and a healthy respect for the danger involved.
Changing Lines
Line 1
He treads the simple path of least resistance, making swift and blameless progress.
Line 2
A man of modest independence treads a smooth and level path.
Good fortune if you stay on course.
Line 3
A one-eyed man may still see, a lame man may still walk, but it takes every resource to circumvent the tiger.
When this tiger is stepped on he bites.
Only a warrior supremely loyal to his cause would enter a battle he knows he hasn't the resources to survive.
Line 4
He shows humble hesitation and breathless caution, yet still resolutely takes a necessary step on the tail of the tiger.
His modest manner saves him from the bite.
Line 5
Though fully aware of the danger that lies on the narrow path ahead, the man is fully commited to move forward.
The future is uncertain.
Line 6
At your journey's end, look back and examine the path you chose.
If you find no causes for shame, only good works that make you shine, you may take this as an omen of the certainty of great reward.