Hexagram 52
Keeping Still
艮 · Gèn · Duruş
Upper trigram: Mountain (still, resting) · Lower trigram: Mountain (still, resting)
Judgment
Mountain upon mountain: keeping still, quieting movement at the right moment. This hexagram speaks of calming mind and body, and of ceasing to be so busy that you cannot see yourself. Keeping the back still, that is, not being swept along by the body’s restlessness, protects a person from outer temptations. Stopping at the right moment and moving at the right moment is the key to peace.
Image
Mountains stand side by side: keeping still. The noble-minded do not let their thoughts go beyond their own position.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Keeping the toes still: no error. Pausing at the very first step secures steadiness in the long run.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Keeping the calves still: unable to rescue the one followed, the heart is displeased. Stillness stops being dragged after another, yet it can feel uneasy.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Keeping the hips still: the spine cracks, the heart is stifled. Movement suppressed by force can create tightness within.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)Keeping the trunk still: no error. Keeping yourself in check gives a safe calm.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Keeping the jaws still: words become orderly, regret vanishes. Speaking after thinking reduces errors.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Keeping still with a generous heart: good. Maintaining quiet gives a person lasting weight and calm.
Question for reflection
In which place today might stopping and simply listening do you good?