否
PǐUpper: Heaven · 乾 · Lower: Earth · 坤
Judgment否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。
In plain wordsA blocked situation comes from people not on the right path, and it does not favor those who stay upright; the great departs and the small arrives. Above and below are cut off from each other, and nothing gets through.
The imageHeaven above, earth below: the high keeps rising and the low keeps sinking, so they part ways and do not communicate.
A hint for youWhen conditions are against you, do not fight them head-on: hold to your principles, keep a low profile and save energy. Keep your inner course steady and wait for the situation to turn.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六拔茅茹以其汇，贞吉。亨。The first line, 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.
- 六二包承，小人吉，大人否。亨。The second line, 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.
- 六三包羞。The third line, divided, shows its subject ashamed of the purpose folded (in his breast).
- 九四有命，无咎，畴离祉。The fourth line, 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.
- 九五休否，大人吉。其亡其亡，系于包桑。In the fifth line, undivided, we see him who brings the distress and obstruction to a close,—the great man 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.
- 上九倾否，先否后喜。The sixth line, undivided, shows the overthrow (and removal of) the condition of distress and obstruction. Before this there was that condition. Hereafter there will be joy.
Standstill; hold steady and wait it out
For entertainment and self-reflection only