I Ching hexagram
52. Keeping Still
艮Gèn
Mountain over Mountain
Also called Mountain, Keeping Still, The Symbol of Checking and Stopping, Desisting, Stilling, Stillness, Stoppage, Bound, Reposing, Resting, Meditation, Non-action, Stopping, Arresting Movement, "Refers to meditation and yoga." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 52, Keeping Still (艮 Gèn) is formed by Mountain over Mountain. It is also known as Mountain, The Symbol of Checking and Stopping, Desisting, Stilling, Stillness, Stoppage, Bound, Reposing.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
艮其背，不獲其身，行其庭，不見其人，无咎。
When his repose is like the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard and does not see the people, there will be no error.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
艮其趾，无咎，利永貞。
Since you're at the start of this journey, you can perceive things clearly. Your motivations are still altruistic. Keep this objective mindset to progress further.
- Line 2Yin
艮其腓，不拯其隨，其心不快。
You're carried along by your ambitions and the events you've triggered. Although you might want to pause and reconsider, halting the momentum isn't possible. This situation can lead to dissatisfaction.
- Line 3Yang
艮其限，列其夤，厲薰心。
Trying to suppress your restless desires will only lead to inner turmoil and bitterness. This could be harmful. Seek inner peace through relaxation and mindfulness practices.
- Line 4Yin
艮其身，无咎。
Your mindset is favorable for achieving self-control. Just rise above your ego's urges to reach your meditation goals.
- Line 5Yin
艮其輔，言有序，悔亡。
Once you find your balance, you'll choose your words with greater care, avoiding thoughtless remarks. This will spare you from feelings of shame and regret.
- Line 6Yang
敦艮，吉。
When your inner calm extends beyond the immediate circumstances into every aspect of your life, you can grasp deeper truths. This understanding brings significant good fortune.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 52 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.