Hexagram 52 of 64
The Keeping Still Mountain艮
Mountain upon mountain. The noble person's thoughts do not go beyond their place.
- Upper
- Mountain
- Lower
- Mountain
- Order
- 52 / 64
艮其背，不獲其身，行其庭，不見其人，无咎。
Judgment: Keep the back still, and do not grasp the self. Walk in the courtyard and see no one. No fault.
兼山，艮；君子以思不出其位。
Image: Mountain upon mountain. The noble person's thoughts do not go beyond their place.
In plain words
The situation: It is time to stop.
What you can do: Know where to stop, and be still.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上九敦艮，吉。Generous stillness. Good fortune.In shortRest firmly and generously where you should stop; this is good.
- 六五艮其輔，言有序，悔亡。Keep the jaws still, and words are in order. Regret fades.In shortGuard your words and speak in good order; regret fades.
- 六四艮其身，无咎。Keep the body still. No fault.In shortBring yourself to rest and keep your own actions in check; no problem.
- 九三艮其限，列其夤，厲薰心。Keep the waist still, and the back splits. Danger, and the heart burns.In shortForcing yourself rigid builds inner pressure; watch the strain and loosen up.
- 六二艮其腓，不拯其隨，其心不快。Keep the calves still. You cannot save the one you follow, and your heart is unhappy.In shortYou want to stop but must follow others along, and it feels wrong.
- 初六艮其趾，无咎，利永貞。Keep the toes still. No fault. Lasting steadiness helps.In shortStop at the very first step; no harm, and steady patience pays off.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.