The I Ching Speaks!



     12.  P'i / Standstill [Stagnation]

          ----------
          ----------     above     Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     K'un   The Receptive, Earth
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          Standstill. Evil people do not further
          The perseverance of the superior man.
          The great departs; the small approaches.

     The Image

          Heaven and earth do not unite:
          The image of Standstill.
          Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth
          In order to escape the difficulties.
          He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.

     The Lines

          Six at the beginning means:
          When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
          Each according to his kind.
          Perseverance brings good fortune and success.

     []   Six in the second place means:
          They bear and endure;
          This means good fortune for inferior people.
          The standstill serves to help the great man to attain success.

          Nine at the top means:
          The standstill comes to an end.
          First standstill, then good fortune.


     58.  Tui / The Joyous, Lake

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     Tui    The Joyous, Lake
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ----------     below     Tui    The Joyous, Lake
          ----------

     The Judgement

          The Joyous. Success.
          Perseverance is favorable.

     The Image

          Lakes resting one on the other:
          The image of the Joyous.
          Thus the superior man joins with his friends
          For discussion and practice.