I Ching · No.52 · Kên / Keeping Still, Mountain

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

When one's resting is like that of the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard, and does not see any (of the persons) in it,--there will be no error.

Translation

Gen Hexagram. Shedding responsibilities and retiring from office, he is no longer seen among the court ranks. Seeking him in his courtyard, he is not found. The person goes far away, so there is naturally no disaster. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: This hexagram is formed by two Gen trigrams stacked together. Gen represents the mountain; thus, the image of Gen is mountains standing one upon another, deep and stable. The superior man observes this hexagram image, takes it as a warning, does not let his thoughts go beyond his position, and preserves himself through wisdom and prudence.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Stopping and obstructing, there is no further progress; content with one's lot and not being greedy, one must not force things. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the road ahead is blocked; it is not advisable to advance rashly, but rather to keep watch and wait for an opportunity.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is mediocre; it is not advisable to advance rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Guard your original business well; do not be greedy for wealth.
• Household 家宅: It is not advisable to renovate; destiny is predetermined.
• Health 身体: Prolonging life while bearing illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is mediocre; it is advisable to retreat and guard, not to act rashly.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable for each side to guard its own borders and not harbor thoughts of expanding beyond.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to firmly guard one's original business and not covet unexpected wealth.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is advisable to stick to the old ways and not seek advancement through lucky chance.
• Household 家宅: Although the space of this residence is narrow, it must not be renovated rashly.
• Marriage 婚姻: Destiny is predetermined; one should not covet wealth and dislike poverty.
• Litigation 讼事: One must not treat crookedness as straightness.
• Lost Items 失物: Search for it in its original place, and it can be found.
• Illness 疾病: Stopping means ending; it is merely prolonging life while bearing illness.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigrams (Gen below and Gen above). Gen represents the mountain; two mountains stacked together symbolize stillness. It is the opposite of the Zhen (Shock/Thunder) Hexagram. After a climax, a low tide inevitably follows, entering a phase of relative stillness of things. Still as a mountain, one should stop when it is time to stop, and act when it is time to act. Acting and stopping—that is, movement and stillness—must not miss their opportunities; they should be just right, with movement and stillness properly balanced, stopping where appropriate.

• Overall Image 大象: Two high mountains stand side-by-side; hence it is advisable to stop rather than advance, representing an image of obstruction.
• Fortune 运势: In all matters, it is not advisable to move rashly; the road ahead is blocked, so one can only wait for the right opportunity to move.
• Career 事业: After a period of development, adjustments should be made to temporarily halt actions and summarize lessons and experiences. Do not advance rashly out of greed for fame and wealth. Practice self-restraint and self-discipline, be prudent in speech and action, and do not blindly chase after others. After resting and reorganizing, show your full capabilities when the appropriate opportunity arrives.
• Business 经商: Entering a state of stagnation, do not blindly advance rashly; instead, stop at the right time, enter quiet retreat and defense, and avoid external interference. In particular, one should maintain inner and intellectual tranquility, and not easily cooperate with others. Wait for the opportunity, and there will surely be a bright future.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One should maintain pure intentions and quietly adhere to the correct path. Do not be tempted by fame and official position; uphold loyalty and honesty, and success can be achieved.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Valuing feelings and treating each other with sincerity, the couple can grow old together.
• Decision 决策: Character is calm and introverted, disliking activity and not good at socializing; the person is loyal, honest, and values trustworthiness. Pay attention to listening to others' advice and preserve oneself through wisdom. When the opportunity has not arrived, it is not advisable to be actively engaged; stop when it is time to stop, and do not harbor unrealistic ideas.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject keeping his toes at rest. There will be no error; but it will be advantageous for him to be persistently firm and correct.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: Keeping the toes still, do not make any rash movements; naturally there will be no disaster. This is an omen of long-term auspiciousness. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Keeping the toes still, not making any rash movements, staying away from unrighteousness, and not losing the correct path, naturally brings eternal auspiciousness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to one's duty and not indulge in desires. Officials who guard their current positions will suffer no loss.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Just beginning to meet good fortune; retreating to guard brings no blame.
• Wealth 财运: Contentment brings constant happiness; perform more good deeds.
• Household 家宅: Can reside there long-term; a harmonious union for a hundred years.
• Health 身体: Foot ailment, seek medical attention.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is just beginning; it is advisable to maintain a steady pace and not advance rashly; thus one will naturally obtain no blame.
• Warfare 战征: Stationing the army at the foot of the mountain; it is advisable to guard quietly and not move rashly.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to be content.
• Fame & Career 功名: Although the initial step is humble, it does not lose its correctness.
• Household 家宅: This residence is near the foot of the mountain; one can live here long-term, no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: A harmonious union for a hundred years, no blame.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is a foot ailment, making walking difficult, and is hard to cure for the time being.
• Litigation 讼事: Not losing correctness, no blame.
• Travelers 行人: Because the feet cannot walk, the traveler will not return for the time being.
• Lost Items 失物: It is surely not lost; search for it in a secluded spot on the ground.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter; guard against foot ailments.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that there should be free course (in what it denotes). There will be little advantage (however) if it be allowed to advance (and take the lead).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Pi hexagram. Success. There is a slight advantage in having a destination. The 'Great Symbolism' says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen/Mountain, and the lower trigram is Li/Fire. There is fire under the mountain, fire burning the mountains; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The noble person observes this symbol, thinks of the fierce fire burning the mountain, jade and stone burned together, vegetation completely consumed, and takes this as a warning, thereby clearly examining various political affairs and not daring to judge legal cases with severity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Adornment and brightness, outer solidity and inner emptiness; a time of hidden worries, act according to one's capability. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram have a grand appearance but are empty inside, with much vanity and little substance. One should enrich oneself, act with prudence, and act according to one's capability.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (lower Li, upper Gen). Li is fire and brightness; Gen is mountain and stopping. Cultured and restrained. The Pi hexagram discusses the relationship between ornament (Wen) and substance (Zhi), prioritizing substance and using ornament for moderation. Pi means adornment or decoration.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject keeping the calves of his legs at rest. He cannot help (the subject of the line above) whom he follows, and is dissatisfied in his mind.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Two: Stopping and not walking, but the calf muscle is still injured. One's heart is very unhappy. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The calf muscle is still injured because the person is obstinate in their own opinion and did not retreat to listen to others' advice.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, fortune is obstructed, or they are rushing about outside with much hardship, or they have a foot ailment. Officials will receive no help from others, making it inadvisable to advance.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is obstructed; lacking a helper.
• Wealth 财运: Goods are withheld and not sold; heart-anxiety is inevitable.
• Household 家宅: Not advisable to relocate; avoid this marriage.
• Health 身体: Difficult to cure even with medicines.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is blocked; it is advisable to hesitate to move forward, not to act according to one's desires.
• Warfare 战征: Stopping and not advancing, guarding firmly without moving, and having no external aid, hence the anxiety.
• Business 营商: Goods are stagnant and unsold, which is highly worrying.
• Fame & Career 功名: Unable to advance even an inch, and suffering from the lack of strong support.
• Illness 疾病: "'Fei' (calf/wither) means illness. The *Book of Odes* says, 'all the grasses wither (fei),' ravaged by the autumn wind. This illness must also be an autumn disease, and it is feared that medicine cannot save it. It is highly worrying."
• Marriage 婚姻: 'Fei' also means to avoid; it is advisable to avoid and reject it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kû indicates great progress and success (to him who deals properly with the condition represented by it). There will be advantage in (efforts like that of) crossing the great stream. (He should weigh well, however, the events of) three days before the turning point, and those (to be done) three days after it.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gu Hexagram. Supreme good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river, but one should set out three days before the Jia day (the Xin day) and three days after the Jia day (the Ding day). The Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, the mountain; the lower trigram is Xun, the wind. A worthy man, like a mountain dwelling above, proclaims moral teachings and applies them to those below. Thus, 'Wind at the foot of the mountain' is the image of Decay. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the wind that blows over all things, thereby rescuing the myriad people and implementing moral education.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Three worms in a vessel, things decay and go to ruin; diligent exhortation turns danger into safety. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a time of hardship and confusion, and nothing goes as wished. It is advisable to make bold innovations, strive for strength, and work hard, so as to turn danger into safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Gen above), and it is the inverse hexagram (Zong Gua) of the Sui Hexagram. The original meaning of Gu is affairs, extending to mean troublesome matters and chaos. Worms growing in a vessel left unused for a long time is called 'Gu', symbolizing that long-lasting peace in the world leads to routine and corruption. One must innovate and create, govern and reorganize, rescue the crisis, and revitalize the enterprise.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject keeping his loins at rest, and separating the ribs (from the body below). The situation is perilous, and the heart glows with suppressed excitement.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: Shedding the heavy burden to protect the waist, but the flesh between the ribs is already torn; if retirement is not timely, one will meet with danger. This is a disaster brought about by being deluded by fame and wealth, unable to quickly retire and resign from office. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: 'Shedding the heavy burden to protect the waist, but the flesh between the ribs is already torn; if retirement is not timely, one will meet with danger'—the danger is caused by being deluded by fame and wealth.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, it is a time of adversity, filled with danger and unrest.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Success is possible by following the times; do not force it.
• Wealth 财运: Closing the borders and guarding oneself, poverty is inevitable.
• Household 家宅: Intercourse and association are advisable; do not be restricted by family status.
• Health 身体: Obstructed blood circulation.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Whether fortune is favorable or unfavorable, one must follow the times; those who force things face danger.
• Warfare 战征: Two armies face each other, each contesting the border; how can one draw a boundary to guard oneself? Guarding oneself leads to danger.
• Business 营商: Goods must circulate to yield profit; moreover, in today's global commerce with imports, exports, and mutual trade, self-confinement through closed borders is surely the path to poverty, which is extremely dangerous.
• Fame & Career 功名: Those who solely guard a single skill are surely not of great capacity.
• Household 家宅: In the way of managing a household, entry and exit should indeed be strict, but isolation is not advisable; isolation blocks the circulation of wealth and resources, endangering the household.
• Marriage 婚姻: The way of marriage is originally joined by Heaven; if one rigidly guards family status, the joy of uniting two families cannot be achieved.
• Illness 疾病: It must be a blockage illness where the upper and lower parts do not communicate and blood circulation is obstructed; the condition of the illness is critical.
• Litigation 讼事: The feelings between higher and lower levels do not communicate, making it hard to distinguish right from wrong.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter; guard against difficult labor.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Po Hexagram. It is not favorable to have any destination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Kun as Earth. The mountain lies on the earth, eroded by wind and rain; this is the image of Splitting Apart (Po). The superior man observes this image, takes warning from the peeling of mountains and the collapse of cliffs, thereby generously winning the hearts of the people and enabling them to live and work in peace.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Erosion and decay, anxiety over disaster; difficult to advance and succeed, stop in accordance with the times. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, fortune is unfavorable, losses are many, and progress is blocked. It is advisable to stop in accordance with the times, keep to one's place, and guard oneself.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Gen above). Five Yin are below and one Yang is on top, indicating Yin is prosperous while Yang is isolated; the high mountain is attached to the earth. Both are images of peeling away, hence it is the 'Po Hexagram'. In this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, symbolizing that petty people are in power, superior men are in distress, and careers are ruined.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject keeping his trunk at rest. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Hexagram Four: Retiring to preserve oneself, there is no disaster. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Retiring to preserve oneself means the person's attention is entirely focused on their own safety, so they will not invite disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to one's duty and observe the ordinary, and not harbor improper desires.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Neither gain nor loss; preserving oneself brings no blame.
• Wealth 财运: Can preserve capital; another good opportunity will be obtained.
• Household 家宅: Safe and peaceful; marriage is mediocre.
• Health 身体: Prolonging life while bearing illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is gentle and yielding; being able to preserve oneself, one naturally obtains no blame.
• Warfare 战征: Hard to expect progress, but there is no injury or defeat to myself, so what blame could there be?
• Business 营商: Can only preserve capital.
• Fame & Career 功名: Neither gain nor loss.
• Household 家宅: Residing peacefully with no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Mediocre.
• Illness 疾病: It is an illness of prolonging life while bearing disease.
• Lost Items 失物: Search for it on one's own person.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lü intimates that (in the condition which it denotes) there may be some little attainment and progress. If the stranger or traveller be firm and correct as he ought to be, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Small success. Divining on traveling is auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain. Fire on the mountain, illuminating the hidden depths: this is the image of the Wanderer. The superior man, in accordance with this, is clear and cautious in administering justice and executing penalties, neither daring to abuse punishments nor delaying the cases.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The journey is destitute, drifting and unstable; small hopes can be achieved, but grand ambitions are hard to realize. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters undergo many changes, as if being in a foreign land. Small matters can succeed, but great matters are hard to accomplish; it is advisable to adhere strictly to routine.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Li above). This hexagram is the opposite of the Feng hexagram (Abundance), serving as its inversed hexagram. Fire burns on the mountain, burning without stopping, the flames constantly spreading forward, like a traveler on the road, hurrying on their journey. Hence it is named Lü (The Wanderer).

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows its subject keeping his jawbones at rest, so that his words are (all) orderly. Occasion for repentance will disappear.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Five: Keeping the mouth closed and speaking little, with speech measured, there is naturally no regret. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Keeping the mouth closed and speaking little, with speech measured, brings no regret, because the Six Five line resides in the central position of the upper trigram, resembling a person carefully guarding the path of central correctness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, they are upright gentlemen, human relations are harmonious, and plans and hopes are realized as desired. Officials will occupy key positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Speech is central and correct, naturally acceptable.
• Wealth 财运: Secrecy is key; business opportunities can succeed.
• Household 家宅: Position is central and correct; guard carefully against artful words.
• Health 身体: If the mouth can make sound, the illness can be cured.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is central and correct; hence there is no regret or worry.
• Warfare 战征: In the midst of military campaigns, false rumors are most to be avoided as they confuse the army's morale. 'Keeping the cheeks still' prevents reckless speech, making orders strict and clear, and rendering the army invincible wherever it goes.
• Business 营商: Business information is like military intelligence; news must not leak out. 'Keeping the cheeks still' means words hit the essential point.
• Fame & Career 功名: Artful words will surely be rejected, while upright words are bowed to; if words are central and correct, one can obtain the position of minister or chancellor through a brief conversation.
• Household 家宅: This residence's position is central and correct; residing here brings no regret.
• Marriage 婚姻: The words of matchmakers are often false and exaggerated; the listener should be cautious.
• Illness 疾病: It must be that the jaws are locked tight and the mouth cannot make sound; if sound can be made, the illness can be cured.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kien suggests to us the marriage of a young lady, and the good fortune (attending it). There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Jian (Gradual Progress) Hexagram. A woman's marriage is good. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Xun, representing wood. Wood planted on the mountain grows continuously; this is the image of Jian. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the mountain nurturing the forest, thereby dwelling in virtue and taking on the social responsibility of refining customs.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Progressing in an orderly sequence, accumulating the small to achieve the great; gradual progress leads to benefit, while haste leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, luck will gradually open up. All matters should progress step-by-step, then planning will succeed. Impatience is not advised; haste leads to failure.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Xun above). Gen represents mountain, and Xun represents wood. There are trees on the mountain growing gradually, and the mountain rises accordingly. This is a process of gradual progress, hence called Jian. Jian means progress, advancing gradually without haste.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject devotedly maintaining his restfulness. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the Top: Pay attention to protecting one's own head; keeping the head safe naturally brings good fortune. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The line statement speaks of achieving good fortune by making honesty and loyalty one's destination, because the Nine at the Top is the final line of the hexagram, resembling a person who adheres to honesty and loyalty and is sure to meet a good end.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, there is much fortune and profit, but they should guard against inauspicious matters. Officials will be promoted, and scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good upon good; naturally auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Taking over a business; profits will naturally be abundant.
• Household 家宅: Generations of honesty and loyalty; marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Physical constitution is robust.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune has reached this point and cannot progress further; only by adding thickness to thickness can one obtain good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: The position has reached the very peak; the key lies in strengthening the military forces, then all will be auspicious.
• Business 营商: It is a high-end business, with high prices and excellent goods; profits will surely be generous.
• Fame & Career 功名: Must be selected for the top position, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: It must be a family of generations of honesty and loyalty, auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Constitution is robust; recovery will come without medicine.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ch'ien (Modesty) Hexagram. Success and smoothness. If this hexagram is met in divination, the gentleman will achieve success. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Kun representing earth, and the inner trigram is Gen representing mountain. There is a mountain within the earth. The inner is high and the outer is low. Remaining high without being arrogant is the image of the Ch'ien hexagram. Observing this hexagram, the gentleman embraces modesty, reduces the superfluous and increases the deficient, measures the quantity of goods, and distributes them fairly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Modest, harmonious, patient, and yielding; honoring others while humbling oneself. Utilizing modesty, all things can be accomplished. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is lucky and peaceful, with promotion step-by-step. The future is very bright for those who are humble and patient, while the arrogant will surely meet defeat. Humility reaps benefits, while pride invites loss.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below and Kun above). Gen represents mountain, and Kun represents earth. There is a mountain on the earth's surface. The earth is low and the mountain is high, meaning inner high and outer low. It is a metaphor for not taking credit for great achievements, not self-praising for high reputation, and not being arrogant in a high position. This is humility.

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.