Hexagram 56, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line paints a stark picture of self-sabotage born from arrogance and carelessness. The wanderer, who should be most careful about preserving his shelter and relationships, acts with reckless aggression. "Burning his lodging" is a powerful metaphor for destroying one's own security, support system, or place of refuge through impulsive anger or pride. By meddling and acting improperly, he creates his own disaster. Consequently, he "loses his young servant," symbolizing the loss of trust, loyalty, and help from those who would otherwise support him, be they subordinates, friends, or even his own inner sense of innocence and common sense. The line's final warning, "Perseverance brings danger," is crucial. It advises against continuing on this destructive path. To persist in this arrogant and hostile attitude will only lead to greater isolation and peril. The misfortune described here is not fated, but self-inflicted.

Guidance for Action

This is a strong warning to immediately check your attitude and behavior. You are likely acting with undue harshness, arrogance, or impatience, especially towards those who are helpful or subordinate to you. You are in a more vulnerable position than you realize (a "wanderer"), and your actions are threatening your own security. Stop what you are doing. Do not push your agenda forward or persist in the current conflict. The path you are on leads to isolation and loss. Take a step back, practice humility, and assess how you have contributed to the problem. The priority now is not to win an argument, but to stop burning your own bridges and alienating your allies.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line warns that you are risking the entire connection through your own behavior. You may be picking fights, acting out of jealousy, making unreasonable demands, or treating your partner with disrespect. "Burning the lodging" is a direct attack on the safety and trust that form the foundation of your relationship. "Losing the young servant" signifies that your partner's goodwill, patience, and affection are being exhausted. If you continue this behavior, the relationship will be irreparably damaged. It is time for profound self-reflection. Apologize for your harshness and work on rebuilding the trust you have broken. Pushing forward with your current attitude will only lead to a painful separation.

For Career & Business

In a professional context, you are acting like a bull in a china shop. You may be in a new role, a temporary project, or an unfamiliar environment, yet you are behaving with an arrogance that is alienating colleagues, subordinates, and even superiors. You are "burning your lodging" by destroying your professional reputation and undermining your own position. You are "losing your servant" by losing the support of your team and the goodwill of those you depend on to get your work done. Continuing this behavior is career suicide. You must immediately adopt a more humble, cooperative, and diplomatic approach. Listen more than you speak. Your primary task is to repair the damage and regain the trust of your colleagues.

For Financial Matters

This line points to severe financial mismanagement driven by recklessness or greed. "Burning your lodging" is a metaphor for squandering your capital, savings, or assets—your financial shelter—on highly speculative ventures, gambling, or extravagant and foolish purchases. You are acting without caution. As a result, you are "losing your servant," which can mean losing the trust of financial partners, ignoring the advice of wise counselors, or depleting resources that were meant for your security or your family's future. The message is unequivocal: Stop. Do not invest another penny in this risky endeavor. Do not continue this spending pattern. Perseverance here is dangerous; it means throwing good money after bad. Conserve what you have left and retreat to a position of financial safety and stability.