Line-2
Legge: The second line, dynamic, shows its subject treading a path that is level and easy -- a quiet and solitary man, to whom, if he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune.
Wilhelm/Baynes: Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man brings good fortune.
Blofeld: The recluse treads his path peacefully. Righteous persistence will bring good fortune.
Liu: Treading in a safe and peaceful way. The man in seclusion carries on. Good fortune.
Shaughnessy: Treading the road so sincerely; the dark man's determination is auspicious.
Cleary (1): Treading the path evenly, the aloof person is upright and fortunate.
Cleary (2): Treading the road; it is level. The person in obscurity is fortunate if upright.
Wu: The trodden road is open and broad. A person in seclusion with perseverance will have good fortune.
COMMENTARY
Confucius/Legge: Holding the due mean, he will not allow himself to be thrown into disorder. Wilhelm/Baynes: He is central and does not get confused. Blofeld: The recluse is a fortunate man because he cleaves to the middle path and does not allow himself to be confused. Ritsema/Karcher: Centering, not originating-from disarray indeed. Cleary (2): In the sense of not becoming personally deranged within. Wu: His mind is not disturbed from within.
Legge: Line two occupies the middle of the trigram, which symbolizes a path cut straight and level along a hillside or over difficult terrain. Since the fifth line is not his proper correlate, he is portrayed as a quiet and solitary man.
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Siu: The quiet and solitary man apprehends the inscrutable. He seeks nothing, holds to the mean, and remains free from entanglements.
Wing: Maintain an ambiance of modesty and moderation. Do not harbor expectations or demands. Do not get involved with the dreams of others or hold overly ambitious goals. In this way you will meet with good fortune.
Editor: There seems to be little essential difference between lines one and two, except that the second line's central position emphasizes the idea of moderation and balance. When two lines in a hexagram have nearly identical meanings it is often helpful to check the corresponding hexagrams and lines created if each were the only changing line -- these will often provide clues as to their differences. In this instance, line one suggests avoiding trouble by minding one's own business; line two avoids trouble by a certain innocent faith in his destined path: a recluse or hermit who ignores the preoccupations of the crowd. Ritsema/Karcher translate "shade" (Wilhelm/Shaughnessy: "dark"), as: "hidden from view, retired, solitary, secret; dark, obscure, occult, mysterious"
If I were possessed of Austere Knowledge
Walking on the Main Path [of Tao],
I would avoid the by-paths.
The Main Path is easy to walk on,
Yet people love the small by-paths.
Lao-Tzu
A. Stay out of sight, keep a low profile, stick to your own affairs, ignore the crowd -- balanced perception prevents confusion.
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