Hexagram 12
Standstill (Pǐ)
Above: Heaven · Below: Earth
When things are blocked, first hold your own ground
Video
The judgment
When things are blocked and closed off, good people come off worse; you give much and get little back.
The Image: Heaven and earth do not meet: standstill. So the noble person lives simply to stay out of trouble and does not seek honor through rank and salary.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
The great goes, the small comes; closed off and blocked. When standstill reaches its end, peace returns — cultivate your character and keep out of harm's way.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
Qin was a wolf and a tiger, contending with Jin for power. It swallowed the other states and called its ruler the First Emperor.
At the height of its power Qin conquered the whole land, yet the dynasty fell within fifteen years. Even the strongest turns weak in the end.
Takashima
- On fortune: for now, nothing goes well. Be careful and hold your ground; don't act rashly.
- On trade: it is a time to buy, not to sell. Keep goods in store and wait for a better price; profit will come later.
Five common questions
Timing
Not favorable now; hold rather than move
Health
Chest and stomach unsettled; eat light
Money
Hold what you have; wait for a better time
Home
Be frugal and patient; keep what you have
Love
Hearts not yet in tune; go slowly
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Six at the beginning: Pull up one reed and its roots come with it, together with its kind. Steadfastness brings good fortune and success.
- Six in the second place: Bearing and enduring. For the petty, good fortune; for the great person, standstill — and in that, success.
- Six in the third place: Bearing shame.
- Nine in the fourth place: Acting on a higher command, no blame. Companions share in the blessing.
- Nine in the fifth place: The standstill comes to rest. Good fortune for the great person. "It may fail, it may fail!" — tie it fast to a clump of mulberry.
- Nine at the top: The standstill is overturned. First standstill, then joy.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.