12/ 否 / ䷋ / Standstill [Stagnation]
the judgement
STANDSTILL. Evil people do not further
The perseverance of the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches.
the image
Heaven and earth do not unite:
The image of STANDSTILL.
Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth
In order to escape the difficulties.
He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
the lines
Six at the beginning means:
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
Each according to his kind
Perseverance brings good fortune and success.
Six in the second place means:
They bear and endure;
This means good fortune for inferior people.
The standstill serves to help the great man to attain success.
Six in the third place means:
They bear the shame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He who acts at the command of the highest
Remains without blame.
Those of like mind partake of the blessing.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Standstill is giving way.
Good fortune for the great man.
"What if it should fail, what if it should fail?"
In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.
Nine at the top means:
The standstill comes to an end.
First standstill, then good fortune.
12/ 否 / ䷋ / The Phî Hexagram
Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn
In Phîthere 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.
Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu
The first SIX, 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.
The second SIX, 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.
The third SIX, divided,
shows its subject ashamed of the purpose folded (in his breast).
The fourth NINE, 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.
In the fifth NINE, undivided,
we see him who brings distress and obstruction to a close,—the great mand 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
The sixth NINE, undivided,
shows the overthrow (and removal of) the condition of distress and obstruction.
Before this there was that condition. Hereafter there will be joy.
12/ 否 / ䷋ / Hindrance/ Pí
decision
Hindrance.
No one can alter.
Unfavorable to superior persons.
The divination:.
The great is departing;.
The little is arriving
commentary on the symbol
Heavan and Earth do not communicate.
An image of Hindrance.
In correspondence with this,
The superior person restrains himself with virtue to avoid calamities.
He should not pursue high position and handsome payment.
yao text (the lines)
Initial Six
Pulling out a reed,
Other roots come with it.
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
Prosperous and smooth.
Second Six
Embrace flattery.
Little fellow: good fortune.
Great person: hindrance.
Prosperous and smooth.
Third Six
Embrace the shame
Fourth Nine
It is the will of Heaven,
No fault.
Like minds clinging together
Share the blessing
Fifth Nine
Cease the hindrance.
Great person: good fortune.
Forget not! Forget not!
Tying up to the trunks of mulberry trees.
Top Nine
Overturn the hindrance
First hindrance,
Afterward joy.