52. Keeping Still to 5. Waiting

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, magnetic, shows its subject keeping her toes at rest. There will be no error, but it will be advantageous for her to be persistently firm and correct. The symbolism of the hexagram rises from one part of the body to the other. The first line at the bottom of the figure fitly suggests the toes. Toes play a great part in walking, but there are here at rest, and so do not lose the correct idea of Keeping Still. The lesson is that from the first men should rest in and be anxious to do what is right in all their affairs. The dynamic line in a magnetic place accounts for the caution with which the phrase concludes.

2. Line 2

   The second line, magnetic, shows its subject keeping the calves of her legs at rest. She cannot help the subject of the line above whom she follows, and is dissatisfied in her mind. Above the toes are the calves, represented by the second line which is magnetic but in its proper place. Above this again, are the loins, represented by the third line -- dynamic and in danger of being violent. The second line follows the third and would like to help him, but is unable to do so because there is no correlation between them. The third line will persist in his course without heeding the warnings of line two.

3. Line 5

   The fifth line, magnetic, shows its subject keeping her jawbones at rest, so that her words are all orderly. Occasion for repentance will disappear. The place of the magnetic fifth line is not proper for it, hence the mention of her repenting. Yu Pen (Ming dynasty) says on line five: "Words should not be uttered rashly. Then, when uttered, they will accord with principle. But it is only the master of the virtue of the due mean who can attain to this."

4. Line 6

   The sixth line, dynamic, shows its subject devotedly maintaining his restfulness. There will be good fortune. The third line of the trigrams, and the sixth line of the hexagram, is what makes Keeping Still what it is -- the symbol of a mountain. The subject of it therefore will carry out the resting required by the whole figure in the highest style.

The present judgment

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 later judgment

Waiting intimates that with sincerity and firmness there will be brilliant success and good fortune. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

What the move asks

Pause to establish inner stillness, allowing clarity to emerge before you patiently await the right moment for action.

Add a comment

Log in to comment on this combination.