38. Opposition (K'uei)

Fire over lake. Suggests finding common ground despite differences.

Line 1: Remorse disappears. If you lose your horse, do not run after it; it will come back of its own accord. When you see evil people, guard yourself against mistakes.
Line 2: One meets his lord in a narrow street. No blame.
Line 3: One sees the wagon dragged back, the oxen halted, a man's hair and nose cut off. Not a good beginning, but a good end.
Line 4: Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded man with whom one can associate openly. Despite danger, no blame.
Line 5: Remorse disappears. The companion bites his way through the wrappings. If one goes to him, how could it be a mistake?
Line 6: Isolated through opposition, one sees one's companion as a pig covered with dirt, as a wagon full of devils. First one draws a bow against him, then one lays the bow aside. He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time. As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes.