33. Tun / Retreat
(Heaven above Mountain)
Description
The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven:
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.
Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.
Analysis
Retreat in this instance is not a desperate flight in disarray, but a conscious choice to distance yourself from forces that would rob you of your peace.
It is not a surrender, but a regrouping.
Retreat from this conflict is actually an advance toward your own center.
You move toward balance, and thus a much stronger position.
Changing Lines
Line 1
You have reached the outlands of your retreat.
To hold your advantage, fall back no further.
Line 2
He lashes himself to his cause with thongs of yellow oxhide.
Line 3
Though it imperils his retreat, he must provide for the safety of those who have served him loyally.
Line 4
The Superior Person sees retreat as an opportunity to strengthen his position, and makes it so.
The inferior person sees retreat as a defeat, and makes it so.
Line 5
He makes a dignified retreat and retains control of the situation.
Line 6
He retires nobly, seeing that it is for the good of all.