Hexagram 60 of 64

Limitation節

Water over the lake. The noble person sets measures and weighs virtue and conduct.

Upper
Water
Lower
Lake
Order
60 / 64
Pick a line to read it

亨。苦節不可貞。

Judgment: Success. Bitter limits cannot be kept steadily.

澤上有水，節；君子以制數度，議德行。

Image: Water over the lake. The noble person sets measures and weighs virtue and conduct.

In plain words

The situation: This calls for limits.

What you can do: Keep within bounds, but not so tightly that it hurts.

For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.

The six lines

  1. 上六苦節，貞凶，悔亡。Bitter limits. Steadiness brings misfortune, but regret fades.In shortHarsh restraint is unfavorable if kept up; ease off and regret fades.
  2. 九五甘節，吉；往有尚。Sweet limits. Good fortune. Going forward wins respect.In shortGentle, pleasant restraint is good; moving ahead earns respect.
  3. 六四安節，亨。Contented limits. Success.In shortRestraint that comes naturally and calmly brings smooth progress.
  4. 六三不節若，則嗟若，无咎。Without limits, there is sighing. No fault.In shortWithout restraint you end up sighing; own it and there is no lasting harm.
  5. 九二不出門庭，凶。Not going out of the outer gate. Misfortune.In shortWhen it is time to go out, staying put misses the chance; unfavorable.
  6. 初九不出戶庭，无咎。Not going out of the inner courtyard. No fault.In shortThe timing is wrong; stay home and keep quiet; no fault.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.