Commentary on the Judgment · 彖传
Waiting. Danger lies ahead. Strong and firm without getting trapped—this means not becoming stuck. Waiting with sincerity brings light and success; perseverance brings good fortune. The position is at the heavenly place, centered and correct. Crossing the great river is favorable; going forward brings achievement.
需，須也，險在前也。剛健而不陷，其義不困窮矣。需有孚，光亨，貞吉，位乎天位，以正中也。利涉大川，往有功也。
Six Lines · 六爻
Waiting in the outskirts. Favorable to persevere. No blame.
需于郊，利用恆，无咎。
Waiting at the outskirts avoids risky action. Perseverance is beneficial; the constant is not lost.
需于郊，不犯難行也。利用恒，未失常也。
Waiting in the sand. Some gossip, but fortune in the end.
需于沙，小有言，終吉。
Waiting on the sand, there is room to spread. Though small criticisms arise, the end is fortunate.
需于沙，衍在中也。雖有小言，以終吉也。
Waiting in the mud. Inviting the bandits.
需于泥，致寇至。
Waiting in the mud means trouble is outside. I attract the foe, but caution prevents defeat.
需于泥，災在外也。自我致寇，敬慎不败也。
Waiting in blood. Emerging from the cave.
需于血，出自穴。
Waiting in blood, one submits and listens.
需于血，順以聽也。
Waiting with food and wine. Perseverance brings fortune.
需于酒食，貞吉。
Perseverance in enjoying food and drink brings good fortune, as the center is correct.
酒食貞吉，以中正也。
Entering the cave. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them and fortune follows.
入于穴，有不速之客三人來，敬之終吉。
An uninvited guest arrives; treat them with respect and the outcome is good. Though the position is not proper, no great loss occurs.
不速之客來，敬之終吉。雖不當位，未大失也。