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.

     ()   Nine in the fifth place means:
          Standstill is giving way.
          Good fortune for the great man.
          "What if it should fail, what if it should fail?"
          In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.


     21.  Shih Ho / Biting Through

          ----------
          ---- ----     above     Li     The Clinging, Flame
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------

     The Judgement

          Biting Through has success.
          It is favorable to let justice be administered.

     The Image

          Thunder and lightning:
          The image of Biting Through.
          Thus the kings of former times made firm the laws
          Through clearly defined penalties.