Hexagram 10 · Line 3
Treading — 三九
Lu · San Jiu
三九 · San Jiu
The Line
A one-eyed person can see, a lame person can tread. They tread upon the tiger's tail. It bites them. Misfortune! A warrior acts thus for their great prince.
Interpretation
A one-eyed person can indeed see, but not well enough for clear sight. A lame person can indeed tread, but not well enough to get ahead. If someone with such weaknesses nevertheless takes themself for strong and accordingly puts themself in danger, they bring misfortune upon themself. For they undertake something that exceeds their strength. This foolhardy way of storming forward without regard for one's own resources may be excusable at best for a warrior fighting for their great prince.