既济
Jì JìUpper: Water · 坎 · Lower: Fire · 离
Judgment亨小。利贞。初吉终乱。
In plain wordsSuccess in small matters; it favors staying on the right course; good fortune at the start, disorder at the end. When something is already complete, guard against the disorder that comes with slackening, and deal with small problems early.
The imageWater above, fire below: water over fire, the two meeting and each doing its work; the matter is already complete.
A hint for youAfter success, maintain what you have. Check the details and stay alert, keep what you have achieved stable, and do not become complacent.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九曳其轮，濡其尾，无咎。The first line, undivided, (shows its subject as a driver) who drags back his wheel, (or as a fox) which has wet his tail. There will be no error.
- 六二妇丧其茀，勿逐，七日得。The second line, divided, (shows its subject as) a wife who has lost her (carriage-)screen. There is no occasion to go in pursuit of it. In seven days she will find it.
- 九三高宗伐鬼方，三年克之，小人勿用。The third line, undivided, (suggests the case of) Kâo Žung, who attacked the Demon region, but was three years in subduing it. Small men should not be employed (in such enterprises).
- 六四繻有衣袽，终日戒。The fourth line, divided, shows its subject with rags provided against any leak (in his boat), and on his guard all day long.
- 九五东邻杀牛，不如西邻之禴祭，实受其福。The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject (as) the neighbour in the east who slaughters an ox (for his sacrifice); but this is not equal to the (small) spring sacrifice of the neighbour in the west, whose sincerity receives the blessing.
- 上六濡其首，厉。The topmost line, divided, shows its subject with (even) his head immersed. The position is perilous.
Completion; guard against slippage
For entertainment and self-reflection only