12. Standstill (否 Pǐ)

Trigrams

Above

☰ Qián (Heaven)

Below

☷ Kūn (Earth)

Symbolic Meaning

否 (Pǐ) symbolizes standstill or stagnation. This hexagram represents a time when progress halts, and opposing forces prevent movement forward. It advises patience and waiting for more favorable conditions.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。"
(Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái.)

"Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches."

In times of standstill, negative forces dominate, making it difficult for the superior person to act. The good or great things seem to recede, while small, petty concerns take their place. This hexagram advises patience and restraint until the situation improves.

Image

Original Chinese:
"天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。"
(Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù.)

"Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Standstill. The superior person uses modesty to avoid difficulties. He does not boast of riches or honors."

The image of heaven and earth not interacting symbolizes a breakdown in harmony, leading to stagnation. The superior person recognizes that in such times, it is better to remain modest, avoid drawing attention, and wait for a more favorable situation.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"拔茅茹，以其汇，贞吉，亨。"
(Bá máo rú, yǐ qí huì, zhēn jí, hēng.)

"Pulling up grass by the roots. Unity brings success. Perseverance brings good fortune and success."

This line speaks of unity and collaboration. By working together, just as grass is pulled up by the roots, success is achieved. Perseverance through difficult times brings good fortune.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"包承，小人吉，大人否亨。"
(Bāo chéng, xiǎo rén jí, dà rén pǐ hēng.)

"She bears with things. The small person has good fortune; the superior person cannot act, though success is possible."

This line describes someone enduring the situation patiently. In times of stagnation, the small or lesser person may find ways to succeed, while the superior person is prevented from making progress. Success is still possible with patience.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"包羞。"
(Bāo xiū.)

"Bearing shame."

This line warns of the risk of shame or dishonor in a time of standstill. Trying to act when the situation is not favorable may result in embarrassment or failure. It advises caution and restraint.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"有命，无咎，畴离祉。"
(Yǒu mìng, wú jiù, chóu lí zhǐ.)

"There is a mandate. No blame. Those who work together are blessed."

This line speaks of a mandate or destiny that helps guide the situation. Those who unite or work together during difficult times will find that they are blessed and avoid blame. Collaboration brings relief.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"休否，大人吉。其亡其亡，系于苞桑。"
(Xiū pǐ, dà rén jí. Qí wáng qí wáng, xì yú bāo sāng.)

"Turning away from standstill. The superior person brings good fortune. If there are losses, they are like branches from a mulberry tree."

This line describes the possibility of moving away from the stagnation. The superior person brings good fortune by helping others. Any losses are minor, like leaves or branches falling from a tree, and do not harm the whole.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"倾否，先否后喜。"
(Qīng pǐ, xiān pǐ hòu xǐ.)

"Overturning the standstill. First there is standstill, then joy."

This line speaks of the eventual resolution of the stagnation. Although times are difficult at first, they will eventually give way to joy and success. The standstill can be overturned with patience.