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Standstill

否 (Pǐ)

Hexagram #12

Hexagram Structure

6
Yin Line
5
Yin Line
4
Yin Line
3
Yang Line
2
Yang Line
1
Yang Line

Upper Trigram

Heaven

Lower Trigram

Earth

Core Essence

Keywords

stagnationwithdrawalpatienceinner strength

Meaning

Represents a time of stagnation where withdrawal and inner cultivation are needed.

Guidance

Withdraw from external affairs and focus on inner development. Wait for better times.

Classical Texts

Judgment

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

否：否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。

Image

Heaven and earth do not unite: the image of Standstill. Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape the difficulties.

天地不交，否；君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Standstill hexagram warns us of the difficult state when heaven and earth don't unite and all things are blocked. 'Standstill caused by evil people does not further the perseverance of the superior man' indicates that petty people are in power and the superior man is in difficulty. The era of King Zhou of Shang was typical of the Pi hexagram - a foolish ruler in power, wise ministers distant, and the country in decline. The Pi hexagram teaches us: in adversity, we must stick to the right path; though temporarily in difficulty, as long as we maintain virtue, we will eventually see a turnaround. As the ancient saying goes: 'After endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out, suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow, bright flowers, and a lovely village.'

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Heaven Lower Trigram: Earth **Judgment Analysis:** Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior man. The great departs; the small approaches. 否：否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。 **Image Wisdom:** Heaven and earth do not unite: the image of Standstill. Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape the difficulties. 天地不交，否；君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Standstill can guide us: • Withdraw from external affairs and focus on inner development. Wait for better times. • Keywords: stagnation, withdrawal, patience, inner strength • Core Concept: Represents a time of stagnation where withdrawal and inner cultivation are needed.

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