What this hexagram is about
A mountain beneath Heaven, the light force withdrawing as the dark grows — the image of retreat and withdrawal. When circumstances turn against one and the small-minded gain ground, draw back from harm in good time; retreat with measure, and within retreat keep one's hold.
The Judgment 卦辞
遁，亨，小利贞。
Success. In small matters, perseverance is favorable.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：天下有山，遁；君子以远小人，不恶而严。
A mountain beneath the heavens; so the noble person keeps the petty at a distance — stern, yet without hatred.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
遁尾之厉，不往何灾也。
The danger of being last to retreat — yet if one does not go, what harm?
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Nine at the top肥遁，无不利。
Free and far above it all, with no tie to hold one back, soaring away — nothing that is not favorable.
Nine in the fifth place嘉遁，贞吉。
To retreat at the right moment, gracefully and at ease; holding to the right, good fortune.
Nine in the fourth place好遁，君子吉，小人否。
Though there is fondness that would hold one, still to retreat with resolve; the noble person can do this and finds good fortune, but the small-minded cannot.
Six in the third place系遁，有疾厉，畜臣妾吉。
Held by attachment and unable to retreat, like a clinging illness — there is danger; yet for keeping servants and handmaids it may still bring good fortune.
Six in the second place执之用黄牛之革，莫之胜说。
Bound fast with a cord of yellow oxhide — the will firm, holding rather than leaving — and none can work it loose.
Initial Nine遁尾，厉，勿用有攸往。
Too late in retreat and left at the tail — there is danger; now is no time to have somewhere to go.