Following
Adapting to the Time
You gain a following by first adapting to those you would lead; following without principle is drift.
Following, Sui, sets the Joyous, Lake, above the Arousing, Thunder, an image the tradition reads as thunder withdrawn into the middle of the lake and resting there. The strong lower trigram has subordinated itself to the yielding upper one, and that is why the figure means following: a man gains a following only by first adapting himself to those he would lead, and by serving before he is served. The Image draws the same lesson from the hour rather than the person, counselling the superior man to go indoors at nightfall for rest and recuperation. The judgement promises supreme success, but conditions it on perseverance, since following without principle is only drift.
Light
Signifies adaptability, willing service, loyal allegiance, and the judgement to move with the hour rather than against it. It marks success gained by yielding at the right moment.
Shadow
Can indicate drifting after whatever happens to lead, flattery, allegiance given without principle, or a rest taken at the proper time that hardens into inertia.
