I Ching · No.12 · P'i / Standstill [Stagnation]

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.

Translation

Hexagram Pi. Obstructed by petty men, this is an unfavorable divination for the superior man, and undertakings will turn from prosperity to decline. The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are choked and cannot grow freely; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, when national politics are obstructed, should contemplate living in seclusion without taking office, practicing thrift to avoid disaster, and not taking pride in wealth and salary.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The great departs and the small arrives, closed and obstructed; when obstruction reaches its extreme, peace arrives; cultivate virtue to avoid disaster. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is an image of all things being closed and obstructed, upper and lower levels not in harmony, everything going against one's wishes. In all matters, one should endure and wait for the fortune to turn for the better before taking action.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: All things are unfavorable; do not act rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Suitable for buying, profit can be made later.
• Household 家宅: Diligence and thrift avoid disaster; image of separation.
• Health 身体: Obstruction of qi and blood; control diet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently all things are unfavorable; it is advisable to guard cautiously and not act rashly.
• Business 营商: Advisable to buy, not to sell; hoard and wait for the price to rise, profit can be made later.
• Warfare 战征: Unfavorable for attack; advisable to retreat and defend.
• Family Estate 家业: Only by being diligent and thrifty can disaster be avoided.
• Illness 疾病: It is a symptom of abdominal mass or obstruction; diet should be restricted.
• Childbirth 生产: Fear that if a boy is born, he may not survive.
• Lost Items 失物: Feared to be lost forever.
• Marriage 婚嫁: There is an image of separation.
• Plans 谋事: Will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Qian above). Its structure is opposite to that of the Tai hexagram. The Yang energy rises while the Yin energy descends; Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are blocked. They are 'inverse hexagrams' (Zong Gua) to each other, indicating that extreme peace leads to obstruction, and extreme obstruction leads to peace, serving as cause and effect for each other.

• Overall Image 大象: Heavenly qi rises, earthly qi descends; the qi of Heaven and Earth do not interact, mainly indicating closure and obstruction.
• Fortune 运势: Disharmony between upper and lower levels, all affairs are blocked. One should endure in all matters, knowing that extreme obstruction leads to peace.
• Career 事业: Falling into adversity, the career is in a stage of decline, with many difficulties. Blocked by petty people and unable to realize one's ambitions, facing many setbacks. One should adhere to the correct path, not join forces with petty people, unite with like-minded individuals, protect oneself, and wait for the opportunity. Maintain self-confidence, be cautious and apprehensive, the situation will surely turn for the better, and the career will eventually succeed.
• Business 经商: Facing powerful competitors, placing one in a disadvantageous position. Poor information flow causes major losses. One should be extremely cautious, maintain a defensive posture, wait for a favorable opportunity to arrive, and then develop one's marketing business.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Conditions are not yet ripe; put in more effort for a while and seek help from others, then the ideal can be realized.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Unforeseen complications are likely to arise, even setbacks and changes. If both parties remain confident, a good outcome will emerge.
• Decision 决策: You are intelligent, shrewd, and diligent, but neglect interpersonal relationships. Coupled with exclusion by petty people, fortune may take a turn for the worse. With a strong will, a fighting spirit, and overcoming shortcomings, although the price paid is high, you will surely achieve success in your career.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, suggests the idea of grass pulled up, and bringing with it other stalks with whose roots it is connected. With firm correctness (on the part of its subject), there will be good fortune and progress.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Pulling up the thatch-grass, it brings along its kind. Divination on this line is auspicious and prosperous. The Image says: Pulling up the thatch-grass, divination on this line is auspicious, symbolizing the ambition to clean up the ruler's court and serve the country with loyalty.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to the old ways. When petty men are in power, although the line text is good, one must guard against being implicated by petty men. Officials waiting for appointment remain vacant; those in power should guard against harassment.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Partnering in undertakings; auspiciousness at home.
• Wealth 财运: Setting up new businesses; be cautious in hiring.
• Household 家宅: Relatives living together; can look after each other.
• Health 身体: Contagious disease, but no major harm.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Auspicious; advisable to partner in undertakings.
• Business 营商: In setting up a new business, be cautious in employing people.
• Warfare 战征: Should lead the left and right camps, merge forces and advance together. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Mainly indicates relatives living together, auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Fear of contracting a contagious disease, but it is harmless.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.
• Lost Items 失物: Can be recovered.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wu Wang (Innocence) Hexagram. Great progress and success, divination yields an auspicious omen. If behavior is improper, there will be disaster, and it will be unfavorable to go anywhere. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian (Heaven) and the lower trigram is Zhen (Thunder). Under heaven, spring thunder rolls, and all things sprout, grow, and multiply; this is the image of Wu Wang. The ancient kings, observing this image, made diligent efforts, complied with the seasons, and nourished all things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No deceit and no delusion, true and utmost sincerity; in harmony with nature, blessings and wealth are deep and vast. Minor Auspiciousness: For those who get this hexagram, follow nature; those who maintain the correct path will find everything suitable. But those who behave improperly will surely invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below and Qian above). Qian is Heaven, firm and strong; Zhen is Thunder, firm and active. Active and strong, with abundant Yang, people's hearts are inspired, and there will surely be gains. However, one must follow the pure and correct path and not act recklessly. Innocence brings gains and surely leads to blessings.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject patient and obedient. To the small man (comporting himself so) there will be good fortune. If the great man (comport himself) as the distress and obstruction require, he will have success.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second line: Meat in the kitchen. This is auspicious for the common people, but not a sign of smooth passage for the nobility. The Image says: If the nobility are in adversity, they can hold admonition in heart, allowing them to keep to their duty.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to endure and treat others with tolerance, otherwise disputes will arise. Officials should keep a low profile.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Treat others with tolerance, all things will be auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Buying and selling are both profitable; in lawsuits, lodge an appeal.
• Household 家宅: Elderly people have illness but no harm.
• Health 身体: Cultivate character and nourish nature.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently smooth and comfortable; if one can treat others with tolerance, all things will be auspicious.
• Business 营商: Buying and selling are both profitable.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against bribery, forgery, and other malpractices. The initial trial may be unfavorable, but appealing to a higher court is auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Household is safe; the elderly head of the family might have an illness, but it is harmless.
• Warfare 战征: Victory is certain; the chief commander may suffer minor harm.
• Lost Items 失物: Look inside packages or wraps, sure to be found.
• Childbirth 生产: Give birth to a girl; the mother has illness, but it is fine.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sung (Conflict). Although there is profit to be made (capturing prisoners), one must remain vigilant and cautious. The matter is auspicious in the middle, but dangerous in the end. Divining this, it is favorable to see great men, but unfavorable to cross the great river. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: The upper trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Kan, representing Water. Heaven and water move in opposite directions, going their separate ways, which is contrary to reason. This is the image of Sung. Reflecting on this image, the superior man takes heed to prevent conflict, being extremely cautious at the very beginning of planning any enterprise.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Heaven is high and water is deep, reaching far but not in intimacy. Be cautious in planning and retreat to defend; with respect and awe, there will be no misfortune. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are unsettled, things are mostly unfavorable, and there are many disputes and lawsuits with others. It is advisable to cultivate character, nurture nature, and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Qian above). It is the opposite of the Hsü (Waiting) hexagram, making them reciprocal 'Zong' hexagrams. Qian represents strength and vigor, while Kan represents danger and entrapment. Strength and danger, vigor and danger, oppose each other, inevitably generating conflict. Conflict is not a good thing; one must be prudent and cautious.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject ashamed of the purpose folded (in his breast).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third line: Wrapped delicacies. The Image says: Bearing shame in heart, because one's talent and virtue do not match the position.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, they must guard against the disturbance of disputes and litigation. Officials will retire or leave their posts.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Be cautious and self-possessed to avoid humiliation.
• Wealth 财运: Improper hiring, hidden losses.
• Household 家宅: Misbehavior; shame to the family.
• Health 身体: Cold wrapped in heat; seek a good doctor from afar.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently just as good fortune is about to arrive; one should be cautious and self-possessed to avoid humiliation.
• Business 营商: Guard against hidden losses inside while covering them up on the outside, due to employing the wrong people.
• Household 家宅: Fear of lack of moral cultivation within the household, leading to the shame of family scandal. Also, it is not suitable to make a concubine a wife.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against being trapped by enemy forces.
• Illness 疾病: Guard against illness where cold wraps heat; fear that the medicine does not match the disease, should seek a good doctor immediately.
• Litigation 讼事: Fear that the lawyer is inappropriate.
• Lost Items 失物: Guard against the thief committing suicide out of shame, which instead leads to complications.
• Travelers 行人: Guard against the person being infatuated with women and not returning for the time being.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tun Hexagram. Success. A small advantage in perseverance. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, and Qian is Heaven; the lower trigram is Gen, and Gen is Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; Heaven is high and Mountain is distant—this is the image of Retreat. The superior man, observing this image, does not deal with inferior men by returning evil for evil, but adopts a strict attitude, resigning from office, content to withdraw and keep the inferior men at a distance.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Escape and retreat; what reaches its peak must decline. Strictly restrain speech and deeds; wait for an opportunity to rise again. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance. Defensive retreat can preserve oneself; acting rashly will bring disaster. One should be prudent in words and deeds, waiting for the right moment to act.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Gen represents Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; as the mountain rises high, Heaven retreats. Yin grows while Yang wanes; the inferior men gain influence, and the superior man retreats into retirement to preserve himself through wisdom, waiting for the opportunity to save the world.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject acting in accordance with the ordination (of Heaven), and committing no error. His companions will come and share in his happiness.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth line: There is a command of reward from the king, no disaster; who receives the blessing? The Image says: There is a command of reward from the king, no disaster, showing that the king rewards merit, the ministers serve with dedication, and each carries out his will.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, family property increases daily, bringing celebration, peace, and happiness. Officials will receive help from friends and colleagues, either getting promoted or gaining wealth.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune arrives; undertakings can succeed.
• Wealth 财运: Make up your mind, turn loss into profit.
• Household 家宅: Family fortune turns auspicious.
• Health 身体: Physical constitution is still strong.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently having attained great fortune; planning undertakings at will is sure to bring profit.
• Business 营商: A great turnaround is achieved, but one must build determination and assess the market. What was lost in the past can now be recovered, with surplus profit.
• Household 家宅: House fortune has turned, auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Commanded to go on campaign, very auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The root of life is firm, harmless.
• Lost Items 失物: Must be sandwiched among daily necessities; search and it will be found.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;--with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Kuan Hexagram. During the sacrifice, libation is poured to summon the spirits but the human sacrifice is not offered, because the head of the captive to be used for the sacrifice is swollen and cannot be used as an offering. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun representing wind, and the lower trigram is Kun representing earth. The wind blows across the great earth, brushing over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The ancient kings, observing this image, took emulation from the wind that flows in all eight directions, thereby inspecting the principalities, observing the conditions of the people, and promoting moral transformation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Viewing the superior from below, traveling and observing; maintain a calm mind and peaceful spirit, and hold fast to one's post. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram find themselves in the midst of change, with restless minds; it is advisable to observe with great detail, wait for the right opportunity to act, and never advance rashly.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Xun above). The wind blows over the earth, symbolizing the widespread dissemination of moral teachings. The Kuan (Contemplation) hexagram and Lin (Approach) hexagram are inverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, used interactively. Those above view the world with righteousness; those below look up to those above with reverence, leading to the submission and obedience of the people's hearts.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the fifth line, undivided, we see him who brings the distress and obstruction to a close,--the great man and fortunate. (But let him say), 'We may perish! We may perish!' (so shall the state of things become firm, as if) bound to a clump of bushy mulberry trees.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth line: Warning of downfall: if the noble lords keep this in mind, it is auspicious. Danger, oh danger! The destiny of the nation is like being tied to a clump of wild mulberry trees. The Image says: The line text of Nine in the fifth says it is auspicious for the noble lords to remain aware of danger in times of peace. This is because the Nine in the fifth line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, resembling a person who worries for the country and the ruler, with talent and virtue appropriate to the position.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, past misfortunes have gone, good fortune is about to arrive, and all things are auspicious. Officials will occupy high positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Mindful of danger in times of peace, all things are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Opportunities are still good; choose partners carefully.
• Household 家宅: Ancestral estate is deep and solid.
• Health 身体: Care for health with caution.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently gradually entering a better phase; only by being mindful of danger in times of peace will all things be auspicious.
• Business 营商: Exactly a superb opportunity, but it is necessary to change partners or associates, proceed with caution, and profit will surely be gained.
• Household 家宅: Ancestral estate is deep and solid, auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Advisable to cease fire temporarily.
• Illness 疾病: Obstructed.
• Litigation 讼事: Settled.
• Lost Items 失物: Guard against being difficult to recover.
• Travelers 行人: Unfavorable.
• Childbirth 生产: The adult is unharmed, but the child is hard to preserve.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Ȝin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Chin (Progress). Marquis Kang used the fine horses bestowed by King Cheng to breed horses, mating them multiple times in a single day. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing the sun; the lower trigram is Kun, representing the earth. The sun shines upon the earth, and all things are bathed in its glory'—this is the image of Chin. In accordance with this, the superior man brightens his own bright virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun rises above the earth, and all things progress; rewards are generous, and all plans succeed. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is like the rising sun, with booming fortune, abundant income, successful undertakings, and everything going as desired.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below and Li above). Li is the sun, representing brightness; Kun is the earth. The sun hangs high, illuminating the earth; the earth is humble and receptive, and all things grow. It is open, honest, gentle in its advance, and moving upward, symbolizing a flourishing and progressing career.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows the overthrow (and removal of) the condition of distress and obstruction. Before this there was that condition. Hereafter there will be joy.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: A brief period of bad luck; first encountering misfortune, then turning into good fortune. The Image says: The bad luck is about to end; how could good fortune be far away? At the juncture of changing destiny, what power can stop it?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, fortune will turn for the better; those long stuck can expect profits, and long-standing lawsuits will be resolved. Unemployed officials will be reinstated, and those on waiting lists will take office.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Prosperous and smooth as desired; lawsuits can be settled.
• Wealth 财运: Profitable in autumn and winter, unfavorable in spring and summer.
• Household 家宅: Relocating is very auspicious.
• Health 身体: Will recover soon, but guard against relapse.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Smooth and prosperous.
• Business 营商: Unfavorable in spring and summer, very auspicious in autumn and winter.
• Household 家宅: Relocating is very auspicious; the old residence is unfavorable.
• Litigation 讼事: Can be settled within days.
• Warfare 战征: Minor defeat followed by great victory.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: Found immediately.
• Illness 疾病: Cured immediately, but recurrence is a concern.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ts'ui (Gathering Together). Prosperity. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is advantageous to see the great man, leading to success; this is a favorable and correct omen. Offering great sacrificial animals (oxen) is auspicious, and having a destination to go to is advantageous. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, Dui is the Lake; the lower trigram is Kun, Kun is the Earth. The lake water overflowing onto the earth is the image of Ts'ui. The gentleman, observing this image, takes warning from the overflowing floods and gathering disasters, thereby repairing weapons to guard against unexpected rebellions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Abundant resources and rich gathering; guided and assisted by nobility, everything is favorable. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram enjoy excellent fortune, receive help from benefactors, reap abundant profits, and succeed in all endeavors.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Kun below, Dui above). Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and water. The lake overflows and submerges the earth, and with many people contending, crises will lurk everywhere. One must obey Heaven and employ the worthy, prepare for a rainy day, remain gentle yet cheerful, bring out the best in one another, and live and work in peace. Ts'ui means gathering and unity.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.