Lu: Treading on the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success. Heaven above, the Lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the minds of the people.

Do you often feel as though you are “walking on eggshells” in certain relationships? This sensation of treading on a tiger’s tail is a signal from your internal boundaries, warning you of perceived danger.

“Lu” represents your manner of conduct in the world. In relationships, if you are constantly anxious about provoking others, it may stem from an underlying fear of authority. However, the hexagram promises that “the tiger does not bite.” This suggests that if you maintain awareness and stay true to your own integrity, the perceived threat will not truly harm you.

Ask yourself: Are you “pleasing” others or “respecting” the situation? When fear paralyzes your movement, you lose your balance. Practice treading with mindfulness—acknowledge the boundaries of others while standing firm in your own space. When you are no longer a hostage to fear, you can navigate even the most complex dynamics with grace.

Laozi noted that “he who treads strongly has a will,” but Zhuangzi preferred the wisdom of “emptiness.” In modern life, Lu does not mean being a subservient person, but rather learning to flow with the natural order. Taoism suggests that the best way to walk is “leaving no tracks”—by moving naturally with the situation, you avoid the tiger’s tail entirely. True freedom comes from maintaining your inner poise and simplicity while navigating the complexities of the world.