Hexagram 33 of the I Ching: Dun, Retreat (遯), meaning and lines
Dun, Retreat: Mountain under Heaven. An image of strategic withdrawal when opposing forces rise, to preserve what is essential.
Key points
| Number | 33 of 64 (King Wen sequence) |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | Dun (遯) |
| Approximate pronunciation | “tuhn” |
| Lower trigram | ☶ Gen, the Mountain |
| Upper trigram | ☰ Qian, Heaven |
| Lines (bottom to top) | yin, yin, yang, yang, yang, yang |
| Opposite hexagram | No. 19, Lin, Approach |
| Other names | Withdrawal, Retirement, Flight |
Hexagram 33 at a glance
Dun (遯, also written 遁) is the 33rd hexagram of the I Ching. The character means “to slip away, to dodge, to flee”. French translations speak of “la Retraite”, “le Repli” or “le Retrait”. It is a chosen withdrawal, not a rout.
Two broken lines rise from below beneath four solid lines: the opposing forces advance little by little, and prudence recommends withdrawing in time.
The two trigrams
A hexagram is read from bottom to top. The lower trigram, also called the inner trigram, is Gen (the Mountain); the upper trigram, also called the outer trigram, is Qian (Heaven). The bottom represents the base of the situation, the top its context or outcome. The Mountain is under Heaven: heaven recedes as the mountain grows. The image commentary says that the noble person keeps small people at a distance without hatred, with dignity.
Diagram of the six lines, from first to sixth: yin, yin, yang, yang, yang, yang. In the King Wen sequence, this hexagram forms a pair with No. 34, Da Zhuang, Power of the Great; its opposite (all lines reversed) is No. 19, Lin, Approach, and its reverse (read from top to bottom) is No. 34, Da Zhuang, Power of the Great. Its nuclear hexagram, formed by the central lines, is No. 44, Gou, Coming to Meet.
The judgement, in brief
The judgement announces a favourable course. A little perseverance, a small advantage: in other words, withdrawal is the right strategy, provided one remains dignified and does not cut oneself off from everything.
Retreat is an art: neither shameful flight nor obstinacy.
General meaning
Dun teaches that a withdrawal at the right moment is not a defeat. When circumstances are against us, it is better to preserve one's strength, values and resources than to break against them. It is the image of the hermit, but also of strategic retreat.
The hexagram distinguishes several degrees of withdrawal: too late (the tail), held back by a bond (the ox-hide thong), pleasant and sincere (the “good withdrawal”), or free and ample (the “withdrawal with substance”).
The six lines, one by one
Lines counted from bottom to top. These very short paraphrases do not replace reading a full translation.
| Line | Image and idea |
|---|---|
| 1 (yin) | The tail of the retreat: one leaves too late; do not undertake anything. |
| 2 (yin) | Held back by a thong of yellow ox-hide: a commitment that cannot be undone. |
| 3 (yang) | A retreat hampered by ties: difficulty; keeping one's dependants close is consistent with the customs of the time. |
| 4 (yang) | A pleasant retreat: good for one who can let go without bitterness, less so for one who clings. |
| 5 (yang) | A fine retreat, made willingly: perseverance brings good fortune. |
| 6 (yang) | A broad and free retreat: nothing is unfavourable. |
Moving lines and the resulting hexagram
A moving line (a total of 6 or 9 when the three coins are tossed) changes into its opposite and gives a second hexagram, the resulting hexagram, which describes the direction the situation is taking. Here, lines 3, 4, 5 and 6 are yang and lines 1 and 2 are yin. The two yin lines at the bottom are the forces that rise; the four yang lines above are those that withdraw. When a yang line becomes moving, the figure shifts its balance of power.
| If the moving line is | Resulting hexagram |
|---|---|
| 1 (yin becomes yang) | No. 13, Tong Ren, Fellowship |
| 2 (yin becomes yang) | No. 44, Gou, Coming to Meet |
| 3 (yang becomes yin) | No. 12, Pi, Standstill |
| 4 (yang becomes yin) | No. 53, Jian (development), Development |
| 5 (yang becomes yin) | No. 56, Lü (traveller), The Traveller |
| 6 (yang becomes yin) | No. 31, Xian, Influence |
Six moving lines give the opposite, No. 19, Lin, Approach. With several moving lines, the schools disagree about which line to prioritise.
A modern reading, with caution
Dun can accompany a conflict in which there is nothing to gain by insisting, or a need to catch one's breath. Withdrawal is not isolation endured: if withdrawing becomes a source of suffering, speak to a health professional; in case of dark thoughts, the 3114 helpline (in France) can be reached at any hour, and 112 (the emergency number throughout the European Union) in an emergency.
- At work: step back from a discussion you cannot win, in order to keep your position.
- In relationships: set a respectful distance without breaking off or blaming.
- For yourself: take a chosen pause: a walk, silence, a holiday.
A reminder: the I Ching is a book of wisdom and of oracle, a tool for reflection and not a prediction; it does not replace medical, financial, legal or safety advice.
Questions for reflection
- What must I withdraw from in order to preserve what is essential?
- Is my withdrawal chosen or endured?
- What holds me back, like the thong of line 2?
- How can I leave without bitterness?
Mistakes to avoid
- Confusing retreat with flight: the text speaks of a lucid choice.
- Withdrawing too late, or too quickly before having tried to explain oneself.
- Retreating for good into isolation: in that case, seek support.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 33 of the I Ching mean?
Dun, Retreat, describes a chosen withdrawal when circumstances are against us, in order to preserve what is essential.
Which trigrams make up Dun?
The Mountain (Gen) below and Heaven (Qian) above.
Is it a negative hexagram?
No: the judgement is favourable. Withdrawing at the right time is presented there as wisdom.
Which hexagram is associated with Dun?
No. 34, Da Zhuang, Power of the Great: retreat and strength.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to The 64 hexagrams of the Yi King.