Why does the text say, “the attachment breaks”? In the Hidden Hexagram, Zhen in lines three, four, and five represents the focal player and its feet. These feet hold onto Gen, the tiger’s tail. In Hidden L5, Kan in lines four, five, and six overlaps Zhen from above. Kan represents danger, injury and breaking apart. The original Zhen splits into two partial Zhen configurations, in lines three and four and in lines five and six. The feet that held the parasite in place no longer form one intact structure. Hence, the attachment to the host breaks.

Why does the text say, “the focal player will be injured”? In Transformed L5, upper Qian becomes Li, producing Li above Dui. Li represents eyes, scrutiny, and the bond between the parties; Dui represents damage. The other player finally opens its eye and sees the damage caused by the focal player, and their relationship breaks. In Hidden L5, upper Kun becomes Kan. Kun previously meant compliance and inaction; Kan now means danger and injury. Kan above Gen means the other player, represented by Gen, brings harm to the focal player. The injury therefore falls on the focal player.

The fifth line often depicts a ruler or wise person succeeding. Here, that success belongs to Qian. The focal player behaves improperly and lives off the ruler as a parasite. The other player is the perceptive ruler who finally discovers it. Once the ruler sees clearly, the parasite has nowhere to hide. Its attachment breaks and it suffers injury. This discovery prepares for judgment and punishment in the sixth line.