63. After Completion (既濟 Jì Jì)

Trigrams

Above

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Below

☲ Lí (Fire)

Symbolic Meaning

既濟 (Jì Jì) represents the state after completion, symbolizing a time when a task or project is finished, but vigilance is still required. This hexagram speaks of the dangers that arise after success. Success comes from maintaining balance and being cautious, even after achieving goals.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"既濟，亨小，利貞。初吉，終亂。"
(Jì jì, hēng xiǎo, lì zhēn. Chū jí, zhōng luàn.)

"After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning, good fortune. At the end, disorder."

This hexagram advises caution after completing a task or achieving success. While small matters may still be successful, it is important to remain vigilant, as the end of a project can bring disorder if one becomes complacent.

Image

Original Chinese:
"水在火上，既濟。君子以思患而預防之。"
(Shuǐ zài huǒ shàng, jì jì. Jūn zǐ yǐ sī huàn ér yù fáng zhī.)

"Water over fire: The image of After Completion. The superior person considers danger and takes precautions."

The image of water over fire symbolizes the balance between opposing forces. The superior person, like the elements, remains aware of potential dangers and takes preventive measures to avoid disaster.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"曳其輪，濡其尾，无咎。"
(Yè qí lún, rú qí wěi, wú jiù.)

"Dragging the wheels. Wetting the tail. No blame."

This line speaks of a situation where progress is slowed or hindered, symbolized by dragging the wheels and wetting the tail. However, by remaining careful and cautious, there is no blame. It advises patience and avoiding rash actions.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"婦喪其髮，勿逐，七日得。"
(Fù sàng qí fà, wù zhú, qī rì dé.)

"The woman loses her hairpin. Do not pursue. In seven days, it is found."

This line describes a temporary loss or setback, symbolized by the woman losing her hairpin. It advises not rushing to fix the situation, as the issue will resolve itself in time. Patience and trust lead to success.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"高宗伐鬼方，三年克之，小人勿用。"
(Gāo zōng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián kè zhī, xiǎo rén wù yòng.)

"King Gao Zong attacks the Gui Fang. After three years, he conquers them. Do not employ inferior people."

This line describes a long struggle, symbolized by the three-year campaign, but eventual success is achieved. It advises remaining patient and diligent in long-term goals, but warns against relying on inferior or untrustworthy people.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"繻有衣袽，終日戒。"
(Xū yǒu yī rú, zhōng rì jiè.)

"A fine linen cloth. Be cautious all day long."

This line speaks of maintaining vigilance and care, even in seemingly small matters, symbolized by the fine linen cloth. By remaining cautious and attentive, success is maintained.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"東鄰殺牛，不如西鄰之禴祭，實受其福。"
(Dōng lín shā niú, bù rú xī lín zhī yuè jì, shí shòu qí fú.)

"The neighbor in the east slaughters an ox. It does not compare to the neighbor in the west's simple sacrifice. The latter receives the blessing."

This line advises that sincerity is more important than extravagance in offerings or efforts. The simpler, sincere approach brings greater success than the grand but superficial one. It advises focusing on substance over appearance.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"濡其首，厲。"
(Rú qí shǒu, lì.)

"Wetting the head. Danger."

This line warns of overextending oneself or becoming too involved in a situation, symbolized by wetting the head. It advises pulling back and avoiding unnecessary risks, as pushing too far brings danger.