60. Limitation (節 Jié)

Trigrams

Above

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Below

☱ Dùi (Lake)

Symbolic Meaning

節 (Jié) represents limitation or regulation, symbolizing the importance of setting boundaries and knowing one's limits. This hexagram speaks of the value of restraint and self-discipline. Success comes from moderation and controlling one's desires.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"節，亨。苦節，不可貞。"
(Jié, hēng. Kǔ jié, bù kě zhēn.)

"Limitation. Success. Bitter limitation cannot be persevered in."

This hexagram advises setting appropriate limits and exercising restraint, but warns against harsh or overly restrictive limitations. Success comes from moderation and flexibility, not from excessive control.

Image

Original Chinese:
"澤上有水，節。君子以制數度，議德行。"
(Zé shàng yǒu shuǐ, jié. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì shù dù, yì dé xíng.)

"Water over the lake: The image of Limitation. The superior person establishes measures and limits and discusses virtue and conduct."

The image of water over the lake represents the need to contain and regulate resources. The superior person, like the lake, sets clear boundaries and guidelines, ensuring that everything is kept in balance. Success comes from clear regulations and virtuous conduct.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"不出戶庭，无咎。"
(Bù chū hù tíng, wú jiù.)

"Not going out of the gate and courtyard. No blame."

This line advises staying within established boundaries and not overstepping one's limits. By exercising restraint and self-discipline, one avoids mistakes or misfortune.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"不出門庭，凶。"
(Bù chū mén tíng, xiōng.)

"Not going out of the gate and courtyard. Misfortune."

This line warns of being overly restrictive or withdrawn, leading to missed opportunities or stagnation. It advises finding a balance between limitation and action to avoid misfortune.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"不節若，則嗟若，無咎。"
(Bù jié ruò, zé jiē ruò, wú jiù.)

"If one is not limiting oneself, then one laments. No blame."

This line describes a situation where lack of self-control leads to regret or difficulties. By recognizing the need for limits and acting accordingly, one avoids blame or further issues.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"安節，亨。"
(Ān jié, hēng.)

"Content with limitation. Success."

This line speaks of finding peace and contentment within one's limits. By accepting and working within established boundaries, success follows. It advises embracing moderation and balance.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"甘節，吉。往有尚。"
(Gān jié, jí. Wǎng yǒu shàng.)

"Sweet limitation. Good fortune. Going forward brings honor."

This line describes a situation where limitations are not seen as restrictive but as beneficial, leading to good fortune. By respecting boundaries and acting with discipline, one gains honor and success.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"苦節，貞凶，悔亡。"
(Kǔ jié, zhēn xiōng, huǐ wáng.)

"Bitter limitation. Perseverance brings misfortune. Regret disappears."

This line warns against overly harsh or rigid limitations, which lead to misfortune. However, once the rigid approach is abandoned, regret disappears. It advises finding a balance between discipline and flexibility.