Hexagram 27, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This is one of the most unfortunate lines in the entire I Ching. It depicts a situation of profound self-sabotage and perversion. The third line is yin in a yang position, indicating it is weak, out of place, and driven by inappropriate desire. It has turned away from the correct and available source of nourishment (represented by the strong yang line 2 below it) and is instead looking upward with envy and craving at the yang line 6 at the top. This represents chasing after something unsuitable, unattainable, or unhealthy, purely out of desire or greed. The act of "拂頤" (fú yí), or rejecting proper nourishment, signifies a deep-seated deviation from what is right and natural. The text is unequivocal: to continue on this path ("perseverance") is not noble but disastrous ("brings misfortune"). The consequence is a long period of stagnation and uselessness, symbolized by "ten years." During this time, any action taken from this misguided state will fail. The commentary confirms the severity of the error, stating that the person has "greatly strayed from the proper path" (the Tao). This line is a stark warning against allowing desire, envy, and impatience to dictate one's choices, as it leads to a complete loss of integrity and effectiveness.

Guidance for Action

This line is a powerful and urgent stop sign. You are currently pursuing a goal, desire, or source of "nourishment" that is fundamentally wrong for you. It may be driven by envy, greed, impatience, or a craving for something that seems glamorous but is ultimately toxic. To persist in this direction is to court disaster. Your immediate task is to halt all action related to this pursuit. Do not try to "make it work" or "push through." The advice "ten years, do not act" means you must accept a long period of withdrawal and inactivity in this specific area. Use this time for radical self-assessment. Identify the unhealthy craving and understand its source. You must completely abandon this path and re-orient yourself toward what is truly wholesome and appropriate for you, even if it seems less exciting. Any attempt to move forward from your current position will lead to failure and loss. Withdraw, reflect, and wait.

For Love & Relationships

This line points to a deeply unhealthy and potentially toxic relationship dynamic. You may be infatuated with someone who is unavailable, unsuitable, or bad for you, while ignoring a genuinely caring and appropriate potential partner. It can also describe being in a relationship that drains you, one based on obsession or envy rather than mutual respect and true nourishment. You are "starving" for affection but seeking it from a source that will only cause you pain. The advice is stark: stop pursuing this person or end this relationship immediately. Continuing will only lead to long-term heartache and emotional desolation. It is a time to be alone, to heal, and to understand what healthy love truly means before seeking another partner.

For Career & Business

In a career context, this line warns that you are on a completely wrong path. You might be chasing a position you are not qualified for, driven by envy of a colleague or a desire for status. You could be involved in unethical or unsustainable business practices, or working in a toxic environment that is destroying your spirit. Any project or ambition connected to this current direction is doomed to fail and will render you professionally "useless" for a long time. Stop what you are doing. Do not launch the project. Do not fight for the promotion. It may be necessary to quit your job, abandon a business idea, or refuse a role. This is a time for a major course correction, even if it means a period of unemployment or starting over from a lower position.

For Financial Matters

This is a severe warning against your current financial strategy. You are likely being tempted by a get-rich-quick scheme, a highly speculative investment, or a lifestyle funded by unsustainable debt. You are rejecting sound, steady financial principles in favor of something that promises easy, instant gratification. Following this path will lead to major financial loss and a long period of recovery. Halt all speculative activities immediately. Sell the risky asset, even at a loss. Cancel the extravagant purchase. Do not take on more debt. This is a time for extreme conservatism, for preserving capital, and for completely avoiding any financial action that feels driven by greed or the fear of missing out. Your financial well-being depends on stopping this ruinous course now.