Hexagram 43, Line 4

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line presents a powerful and painful image of someone in a state of extreme discomfort and restlessness. "The buttocks have no skin" signifies a position that is untenable; one cannot sit, rest, or find stability. This inner agitation leads to clumsy and ineffective action—"walking is difficult." The individual is hobbling forward, making little progress and enduring constant pain. The cause, as the commentary notes, is an "inappropriate position." This is a strong, yang line in a soft, yin place. It represents a person with the will to act decisively but who lacks the proper authority, support, or context to do so effectively. Their strength becomes a source of friction and frustration. The I Ching offers a solution: "If one were led like a sheep, regret would vanish." To be led like a sheep means to let go of one's own stubborn will, to cease the struggle, and to docilely follow the guidance of a wiser authority (represented by the ruler in the fifth line). If the person could just surrender their ego and trust in the proper course of action dictated by others, their painful struggle would end. However, the line ends on a tragic note: "But hearing these words, one does not believe them." The individual's hearing is not clear (`聪不明也`); their judgment is clouded by ambition, frustration, or arrogance. They are too restless and self-willed to heed the very advice that would save them, thus perpetuating their own suffering.

Guidance for Action

You are currently in a highly uncomfortable and frustrating situation. You feel restless and compelled to act, but every move you make feels awkward and ineffective. This is because your personal drive is out of sync with your current role or circumstances. Your primary challenge is your own stubbornness. You believe you know the right way forward, but your judgment is clouded. The advice you are receiving, which may seem passive or counter-intuitive, is in fact the correct path. You must consciously quiet your own ego and listen to guidance from a trusted source—a mentor, a superior, or an expert. Stop trying to force a breakthrough on your own terms. The wisest action now is to allow yourself to be guided. Be a follower, not a leader. If you can do this, your discomfort and regret will cease. If you persist in your own willful way, the struggle will continue.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line points to a period of intense friction and discomfort. You or your partner may feel raw and exposed, as if you can't find a comfortable place in the dynamic. Actions and words are clumsy, leading to misunderstandings and pain. This is likely caused by one person stubbornly pushing an agenda or refusing to yield, trying to force a "breakthrough" in the relationship that isn't timely or appropriate. The advice is to stop pushing. The person who is struggling needs to let go of their need to be right or to be in control. They must listen to their partner and be willing to follow their lead for a time. If you are the one receiving advice from your partner, take it to heart, even if your pride resists. Stubbornness is the source of the pain; yielding and trusting will bring relief.

For Career & Business

This line depicts a deeply frustrating work situation. You may feel you have the skills and drive to make a significant impact, but you are in a position that offers no support or authority. Your attempts to push forward are met with resistance or result in clumsy mistakes, leaving you feeling exposed and incompetent ("buttocks without skin"). You are trying to lead when your role is to support. Your ambition is causing you to act inappropriately for your position. The guidance is unequivocal: stop your restless striving. Listen to your superiors or experienced colleagues. Your desire to prove yourself is clouding your judgment. Be a team player, follow instructions, and learn from your position rather than fighting against it. If you can accept being "led like a sheep" for now, the frustration will end, and you will regain your footing. Continuing to push will only lead to further failure and loss of face.

For Financial Matters

This line warns against restless and ill-advised financial activity. You are in an unstable financial position, and your anxiety is pushing you to make rash moves. You might be chasing a risky investment or changing your strategy impulsively, but these actions are clumsy and likely to lead to losses. You are deaf to sound financial advice, perhaps from an advisor or from market wisdom, because you stubbornly believe you've found a shortcut to a "breakthrough." The I Ching's counsel is to cease all independent, ego-driven actions immediately. Your judgment is not clear. The best course of action is to follow a conservative, well-established plan or to put your trust in a qualified advisor. Behave "like a sheep" by following the safe path with the herd for now. Resisting this advice out of a desire for quick gains will only prolong your financial pain and instability.