#12
Standstill (Stagnation)
否
— Pǐ
Upper trigram: Heaven (Qián) · Lower trigram: Earth (Kūn)
Overall meaning
Hexagram Standstill symbolizes obstruction and stagnation. Upper trigram is Heaven above, lower is Earth below — heaven and earth separated, no interaction, yin and yang do not circulate. The opposite of Peace, this hexagram signifies a time of obstruction, difficulty, and the need to wait patiently.
Judgment text (Thoán từ)
Standstill: a person of the wrong sort — unfavorable for the superior person to persevere. The great departs, the small arrives. A time of standstill is not the time for big action.
Line texts (6 lines)
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1
First Six: When pulling up reeds, others come up with the roots — perseverance brings good fortune, success. Together with one's kind, hold fast and wait for the standstill to pass.
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2
Second Six: Bearing and enduring — small people have good fortune; the great person stands fast in standstill yet remains successful. The superior person endures and yet keeps character intact.
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3
Third Six: Bearing a sense of shame. Knowing humiliation yet enduring — a necessary step in time of standstill.
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4
Fourth Nine: There is a mandate — no blame. Comrades share in the blessing. The virtuous still find a way out in time of standstill.
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5
Fifth Nine: Standstill is checked — for the great person, good fortune. 'What if it should fail, what if it should fail?' — bind it to the bushy mulberry tree. Awareness of danger is the foundation of safety.
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6
Top Nine: Standstill is overthrown — first misfortune, then joy. The time of standstill ends; a better phase begins.
Applications by topic
- Marriage
- Romance meets many obstacles and misunderstandings. Not a favorable time to advance. Be patient and wait for the timing to change.
- Career
- Career stalled and obstructed. Avoid large action during this time. Strengthen inner resources and wait for the turn.
- Wealth
- Finances strained, investments unprofitable. Cut spending, keep capital safe. Avoid every financial risk in this phase.
- Health
- Health is declining; prone to illness. Rest and seek timely treatment. Avoid overwork.
- Lawsuit
- Litigation stalled and unfavorable. Do not initiate suit at this time. Seek reconciliation or wait for a better moment.
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