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#60

Limitation

節 — Jié
Upper trigram: Water (Kǎn) · Lower trigram: Lake (Duì)

Overall meaning

Hexagram Limitation symbolizes regulation and moderation. Upper trigram is Water, lower is Lake — water in the lake contained by banks. Limitation means to regulate, to moderate — like a flute with holes that produce a melody. This is the hexagram of discipline, moderation, and knowing limits.

Judgment text (Thoán từ)

Limitation: success — galling limitation must not be persevered in. Moderation creates success — but excessive limitation does not endure.

Line texts (6 lines)

  1. 1
    First Nine: Not going out the door and the courtyard is no blame. Knowing limits and not exceeding scope — no blame.
  2. 2
    Second Nine: Not going out the gate of the courtyard brings misfortune. Knowing the time but not acting when needed — misfortune.
  3. 3
    Third Six: He who knows no limitation will have cause to lament — no blame. Lacking self-discipline and regretting — no one to blame.
  4. 4
    Fourth Six: Contented limitation — success. Natural, uncoerced discipline — success.
  5. 5
    Fifth Nine: Sweet limitation brings good fortune — going brings esteem. Joyful discipline supported by all — good fortune and respect.
  6. 6
    Top Six: Galling limitation — perseverance brings misfortune — remorse disappears. Excessive discipline alienates — misfortune when rigid.

Applications by topic

Marriage
Moderation in every aspect of the relationship. Neither too dependent nor too distant. Discipline and moderation make the bond last.
Career
Manage time and resources moderately. Not overworking, not too leisured. Self-discipline is the key to success.
Wealth
Budget and save with discipline. Don't waste but don't be too austere. Moderation in spending and investing.
Health
Moderation in eating, sleeping, and exercise. Not overworked, not idle. Disciplined living is the foundation of health.
Lawsuit
Control emotion and speech in litigation. Neither too aggressive nor too yielding. Moderation in legal strategy.

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