[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":17},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_iching64_en-iching-12":3},{"slug":4,"archived":5,"date_created":6,"date_updated":7,"title":8,"content1":9,"content2":10,"seotitle":11,"seodescription":12,"htmlcode":13,"content0":14,"number":15,"seo_keywords":16,"og_title":8,"og_description":12},"iching-12",false,"2026-08-11T00:57:01.617Z","2026-07-04T14:35:04.000Z","Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 12: Obstruction, Heaven and Earth Obstructed, Qian above Kun below","Detailed explanation of Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Original text of the Obstruction hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Obstruction. Obstruction by the unworthy. It is unfavorable for the noble person’s perseverance. The great departs; the small arrives.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not communicate—Obstruction. The noble person uses frugality in virtue to avoid difficulty and must not regard honor through salary as glory.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Obstruction hexagram: Blocked by petty people; this divination is unfavorable for the noble person, and one’s career will also turn from prosperity to decline.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Heaven and Earth are separated and cannot interact; all things are choked and unable to flow freely—this is the image of the Obstruction hexagram. Observing this image, the noble person should, when the state’s politics are blocked, consider living in seclusion rather than serving, esteem frugality to avoid disaster, and not take profit and official salary as glory.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes\n \u003Cbr>The Obstruction hexagram has Qian above and Kun below and is the third-generation hexagram of the Qian palace. Obstruction symbolizes blockage and lack of communication and is an inauspicious sign. In the Obstruction hexagram, yin and yang do not interact, symbolizing disharmony in everything.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>The great departs and the small arrives; blockage and lack of communication. When obstruction reaches its extreme, peace returns; cultivate virtue and avoid disaster.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this hexagram encounter a state in which all things are blocked, with those above and below out of harmony and everything going poorly. In all matters, endure and wait for fortune to turn before taking action.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Nothing goes smoothly; do not act recklessly.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: It is suitable to buy in; profits may be gained later.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Diligence and frugality avert disaster; there is an image of separation.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Qi and blood do not circulate; restrict your diet.\n \u003Cbr>Traditional interpretation of the hexagram\n \u003Cbr>This is a contrasting hexagram (Kun below, Qian above) doubled. Its structure is opposite that of the Peace hexagram: yang energy rises, yin energy descends, Heaven and Earth do not communicate, and all things do not circulate. The two are “inverted hexagrams” of each other, showing that when Peace reaches its extreme it becomes Obstruction, and when Obstruction reaches its extreme Peace returns; they are cause and effect of each other.\n \u003Cbr>Great Image: Heavenly energy rises and earthly energy descends; the energies of Heaven and Earth do not communicate, signifying blockage and lack of communication.\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Those above and below are not harmonious, and nothing goes smoothly. In all matters, endure; know that when obstruction reaches its extreme, peace returns.\n \u003Cbr>Career: You have fallen into adversity, and your career is in a period of decline, with many difficulties and disappointments. Interference from petty people prevents you from fulfilling your ambitions, bringing repeated setbacks. You should adhere to the right path, avoid joining forces with petty people, unite with those who share your aspirations, protect yourself, and wait for the right opportunity. Maintain self-confidence, remain cautious and alert, and the situation will certainly improve; in the end, your career can succeed.\n \u003Cbr>Business: You encounter a powerful competitor and are in an unfavorable position; poor information causes major losses. Be especially careful, maintain a defensive stance, wait for a favorable opportunity, and then work hard to develop your business.\n \u003Cbr>Seeking fame: The conditions are not yet mature. Work harder for a while, and with others’ help, your ideal can be realized.\n \u003Cbr>Marriage and love: Unexpected complications may easily arise, even leading to setbacks and changes. If both parties remain confident, a good outcome will appear.\n \u003Cbr>Decision-making: You are intelligent, astute, diligent, and hardworking, but you neglect human relationships. Combined with the exclusion of petty people, your fate may encounter misfortune. With strong will and a fighting spirit, and by overcoming your shortcomings, you can certainly accomplish your career, even though the price paid will be high.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the twelfth hexagram \n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram’s form, Qian is above, representing Heaven, and Kun is below, representing Earth; each is in its own position. This means they do not interact with each other or with the outside world, their positions remain fixed, and they act according to old rules and bad customs. The Obstruction hexagram means lack of flow, blockage, deterioration, and rejection. It means one closes oneself off and blocks the path forward.\n \u003Cbr>The Obstruction hexagram is unfavorable for the noble person; petty people are about to gain power, and the noble person is about to withdraw. Petty people block the noble person’s path: Kun belongs to the inner trigram while Qian belongs to the outer trigram, so petty people control internal affairs while noble people remain outside; petty people gain power and noble people are excluded.\n \u003Cbr>The Obstruction hexagram follows the Peace hexagram. The Sequence of the Hexagrams explains: “Things cannot remain forever in a state of communication, therefore Obstruction follows.” Permanent smoothness is impossible, so blockage arises; what follows is the Obstruction hexagram.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not communicate—Obstruction. The noble person uses frugality in virtue to avoid difficulty and must not regard honor through salary as glory.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary points out: The image of the Obstruction hexagram is Kun (Earth) below and Qian (Heaven) above, showing Heaven above Earth. Heaven is at the extreme height and Earth at the extreme depth, so yin and yang of Heaven and Earth cannot unite; the age is therefore blocked and stagnant. At such a time, the noble person must uphold the virtue of diligence and frugality to avoid danger and disaster, rather than seek high office and generous salary in pursuit of splendor and wealth. The Obstruction hexagram symbolizes blockage and belongs to the middling category. The Image gives this judgment: A tiger has fallen into a pit, an unbearable predicament; advancing is easy, retreating difficult; plans cannot be fulfilled; illness and disputes become entangled.","Detailed explanation of the initial-nine line of Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Initial Six line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six at the beginning. Pulling up cogongrass by the roots, along with its kind; perseverance is auspicious and brings success.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Pulling up the cogongrass, perseverance is auspicious; the aspiration lies in serving the ruler.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six at the beginning: Pulling up cogongrass by the roots, along with its kind; divination of this line is auspicious and successful.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Pulling up the cogongrass by the roots and obtaining this line is auspicious; it is an image of clearing those around the ruler and serving the state loyally.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: Those who obtain this line should preserve the old ways. When petty people are in power, although the line statement is favorable, one must guard against being implicated in the petty people’s affairs. Officials awaiting appointment should wait for vacancies; those in power should beware of disturbances.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Join with others to plan matters; auspiciousness comes to the household.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: For a newly established business, be cautious in employing people.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Relatives live together and can look after one another.\n \u003Cbr>Health: It is an infectious illness, but not serious.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Initial Six changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_12_1.png'\" alt='\"周易第12卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the initial-six line changes, it becomes Hexagram 25 of the Zhouyi: Heaven over Thunder, Innocence. This is a contrasting hexagram (Thunder below, Heaven above) doubled. Qian is Heaven, firmness, and vigor; Zhen is thunder, firmness, and movement. Movement with vigor, strong yang flourishing, and people’s spirits aroused—there will certainly be gain, but only by following purity and correctness; one must not act recklessly. Without Innocence, there will surely be gain and blessings can certainly be attained.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr> Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line \n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six at the beginning: Pulling up cogongrass by the roots, along with its kind; perseverance is auspicious and brings success. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Ru: refers to the root, appearing as roots and stems connected. Yi: same as “and\u002Freach.” Hui: a category or kind.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: Pull up the cogongrass by the roots, along with its kind. The result is auspicious and successful.\n \u003Cbr>The line statement of the initial-six line of the Obstruction hexagram is extremely similar to that of the initial-six line of the Peace hexagram. The Peace hexagram says: Initial nine: Pulling up cogongrass by the roots, along with its kind.\n \u003Cbr>Advance; auspicious. The Obstruction hexagram says: Initial six, pulling up cogongrass by the roots, along with its kind; perseverance is auspicious and brings success.\n \u003Cbr>Six at the beginning is a yin line in a yang position, so its position is improper. In this position, it is difficult to realize one’s ambitions, so one must not “advance”; one should only “persevere.” However, although the initial-six yin line is in a yang position, it corresponds with Nine in the fourth place, indicating a relationship with people of power above. Therefore, as long as one behaves properly, remains true to one’s duty, and stays aligned with superiors, one can remain safe and proceed smoothly.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this hexagram should know that their environment is extremely unfavorable and they must not take action. However, pay attention to making friends, and do not begrudge money when forming sincere friendships; when you need them, they will give their all to help you. In this blocked and stagnant time, do not advance blindly. Withdraw and uphold the right path; only then can there be auspiciousness and success.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the ninth-second line of Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place. Enveloping and flattering; auspicious for the petty person. For the great person, Obstruction is successful.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: For the great person, Obstruction brings success; he does not disturb the group.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: There is meat in the kitchen. This is auspicious for common people, but for nobles it is not a sign of peace and prosperity.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: When nobles find themselves in difficult circumstances, they can hold a corrective warning in their hearts and keep safely to their proper duties.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: Those who obtain this line should be patient and treat people generously; otherwise disputes will arise. Officials should act discreetly.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Treat people generously; everything is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Both buying and selling are profitable; in litigation, appeal.\n \u003Cbr>Home: An elderly person is ill but not in danger.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Cultivate your character and nature.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_12_2.png'\" alt='\"周易第12卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the sixth-second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 6 of the Zhouyi: Heaven over Water, Conflict. This is a contrasting hexagram (Water below, Heaven above) doubled, opposite to the Waiting hexagram and mutually inverted. Qian is firmness and vigor; Kan is danger and entrapment. Firmness versus danger, vigor versus peril—these oppose each other and inevitably produce disputes. Dispute is not a good thing; one must be extremely cautious and fearful.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr> Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line \n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: Enveloping and flattering; auspicious for the petty person. For the great person, Obstruction is successful. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: Flattering and currying favor with powerful people brings petty people good fortune; for a great person, remaining content within obstruction is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place is a yin line in a yielding position, so it occupies its proper place, and it is also in the central position of the lower trigram, maintaining the center. Because it is yielding and peacefully holds its position, it is easily recruited by petty people as one of their party. If one is a petty person, one will certainly join them; if one is a noble person, one should avoid them and keep far away.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the ninth-third line of Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place. Enveloped in shame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Enveloped in shame—the position is inappropriate.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place: There are delicacies in the kitchen.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: One harbors shame because one’s ability and virtue do not match one’s position.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line must beware of disturbances from disputes and lawsuits. Officials will retire or leave office.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Carefully guard yourself to avoid humiliation.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: The wrong people are employed, causing hidden losses.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Improper conduct brings shame upon the household.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Cold accompanied by heat; seek a good physician far away.\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_12_3.png'\" alt='\"周易第12卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the sixth-third line changes, it becomes Hexagram 33 of the Zhouyi: Heaven over Mountain, Retreat. This is a contrasting hexagram (Mountain below, Heaven above) doubled. Qian is Heaven and Gen is Mountain. There is a mountain beneath Heaven; the mountain is high and Heaven retreats. Yin grows and yang diminishes; petty people gain power, noble people withdraw into seclusion, preserve themselves wisely, and await a chance to save the world.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place \n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place: Enveloped in shame. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: Endure humiliation.\n \u003Cbr>The phrase “enveloped in shame” means concealing humiliation. Those who obtain this hexagram should stay away from petty people. If they must work with petty people, they must tolerate others’ humiliation of them, hide the humiliation in their hearts, and serve petty people or powerful nobles against their own wishes.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place is a yin line in a yang position, so it is out of position, and it is not in the central position. The Image says: “Enveloped in shame”—the position is inappropriate. This means humiliation is brought upon oneself because one occupies an improper position at that time.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this line will suffer humiliation because they are in an improper position, but they should hide it in their hearts and not show it. It is best not to dwell on others’ attitudes, but to concentrate on their own work. They should adjust their emotions and revise or remake their plans. If they are responsible for a team, they should readjust internal and external relationships so that everyone can coexist harmoniously.\n \u003Cbr>This describes one sign of a deteriorating age: people no longer possess a sense of shame, and licentious and wicked affairs arise between men and women. Why does Six in the third place contain only these two line statements? Qian is yang and Kun is yin; Six in the third place lies where yin and yang meet, suggesting relations between men and women, so there is “shame.” The yin line Six in the third place occupies a yang position and is not centered, standing immediately beside Nine in the fourth place. Nine in the fourth place and Six in the third place lie in the middle of the whole hexagram, creating the image of “enveloping.” This says that the petty person of Six in the third place flatters superiors and bullies inferiors without knowing shame, hence “enveloped in shame.”\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the ninth-fourth line of Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Fourth Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the fourth place. There is a command; no blame. Who can receive the blessing?\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: There is a command; no blame—the aspiration is carried out.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the fourth place: The ruler issues a command of reward; there is no disaster. Who can receive the reward?\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The ruler issues a command of reward; there is no disaster. This shows that the ruler rewards according to merit, while ministers fulfill their duties and exert themselves; each carries out their aspiration.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will see their family property increase day by day and enjoy good fortune and peace. Officials will receive help from friends and colleagues, and may be promoted or gain wealth.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Good fortune has arrived; plans can succeed.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Make up your mind and turn losses into profits.\n \u003Cbr>Home: The household’s fortune turns auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Your constitution remains strong.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Fourth Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_12_4.png'\" alt='\"周易第12卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the ninth-fourth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 20 of the Zhouyi: Wind over Earth, Contemplation. This is a contrasting hexagram (Earth below, Wind above) doubled; wind moves across the earth, symbolizing moral teaching spreading everywhere. The Contemplation hexagram and the Approach hexagram are mutually inverted and used in relation to each other. Those above observe the realm through morality and justice; those below look up in reverence, and people’s hearts willingly submit and follow.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line \n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the fourth place: There is a command; no blame; the group shares in the blessings. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Chou: same as “kind,” referring to those of the same type or the many people. Li: same as “adorn,” meaning to attach to or depend upon.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line is: Having received a command, there is no disaster; the people depend on one another and gain blessings.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this line have endured patiently for a period, and their fortune is gradually improving; they can begin to display their abilities. If their original career stopped because petty people held power, they can now return to its former track. If they are farmers, they can cultivate their own land; if they have the opportunity to lease other land, they can do so confidently. If they are employees and discover a better job opportunity, they can leave their current company to seek better development. Of course, what they do must be proper and beneficial to others and society. They should seek like-minded people; by depending on one another, everyone can pursue happiness.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the ninth-fifth line of Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Fifth Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the fifth place. Restoring Obstruction, the great person is auspicious; “Its destruction, its destruction”—bound to a cluster of mulberry roots.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The great person’s auspiciousness comes from occupying the proper position.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the fifth place: Guard against ruin; if nobles and princes keep this in mind, it is auspicious. Danger, danger—the state’s destiny seems tied to tender grass and a mulberry branch.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The line statement about the noble ruler’s auspiciousness means that a ruler who does not forget danger while secure will be auspicious. Since Nine in the fifth place occupies the central position of the upper trigram, it resembles someone who worries about the state and ruler, with virtue and ability suited to the position.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, past troubles have departed and good fortune is coming; everything is auspicious. Officials will occupy important positions.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Remain secure without forgetting danger; everything is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Opportunities are still good; choose partners carefully.\n \u003Cbr>Home: The ancestral estate is deep-rooted.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Take care and maintain yourself cautiously.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Fifth Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_12_5.png'\" alt='\"周易第12卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the ninth-fifth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 35 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Earth, Progress. This is a contrasting hexagram (Earth below, Fire above) doubled. Li is the sun and brightness; Kun is Earth. The sun hangs high, shining over the earth; Earth is humble and yielding, and all things grow. It is bright and upright, yielding yet advancing upward—an image of a career rising steadily.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line \n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the fifth place: Restoring Obstruction, the great person is auspicious; “Its destruction, its destruction”—bound to a cluster of mulberry roots.\n \u003Cbr>This line is the ruler’s position, and it is a yang line in a yang position, so it has great power. The Image says: “The great person’s auspiciousness”—the position is proper.\n \u003Cbr>This means that the appearance of “the great person’s auspiciousness” shows that one is now in a central, appropriate position. By this point in the Obstruction hexagram, the blocked situation and the dominance of petty people have completely ended. A person of high virtue and great influence gains good fortune and returns to office. The resistance of negation has lessened, and the difficulties encountered have begun to decrease. At this time, one must guard against complacency. Moreover, the great person has emerged from a blocked situation and must remain alert in safety, preventing similar events from happening again. No matter how much the situation has eased or improved, one must not lower one’s guard.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the top-nine line of Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Top Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Top nine. Overturning Obstruction; first obstruction, then joy.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: When Obstruction ends, it overturns; how could it last long?\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Top nine: A brief period of bad luck; after first encountering bad luck, good fortune follows.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Bad luck is nearly over; how could good fortune be far away? When fate changes, what force can stop it?\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: Those who obtain this line will see their luck turn favorable. Those long trapped can expect profit, and long-standing lawsuits will be resolved. Officials who lost their positions will be reinstated; those awaiting vacant posts will take office.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Things proceed smoothly as desired; lawsuits can be settled.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Favorable in autumn and winter; unfavorable in spring and summer.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Moving house is greatly auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: The illness can soon be cured, but beware of recurrence.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Top Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_12_6.png'\" alt='\"周易第12卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the top-nine line changes, it becomes Hexagram 45 of the Zhouyi: Lake over Earth, Gathering. This is a contrasting hexagram (Earth below, Lake above) doubled. Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and Water. A lake overflows and floods the earth; crowds struggle with one another, and crises lie everywhere. One must follow Heaven’s order, appoint the worthy, prepare before the rain, and be yielding yet harmonious and cheerful; then all complement one another and live in peace and work happily. Gathering means assembling and uniting.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line \n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>When the hexagram of Stagnation reaches the top nine, the situation of blockage and lack of communication has reached its end. When things reach an extreme, they turn in the opposite direction; stagnation must inevitably change into peace and prosperity. This is what people commonly call, “When Stagnation reaches its extreme, Prosperity arrives.” Anyone who obtains this line has a sign that hardship is ending and sweetness is coming. \n \u003Cbr>The judgment of Pi tells people that in such a period they should conceal themselves, while the line statements tell them how to conceal their true intentions and use action to drive out the influence of petty people. This requires assessing the time and circumstances, as well as wit and courage. Those who understand the principles of Pi and Tai will benefit greatly.","Zhouyi \u002F I Ching, Hexagram 12, Pi: Heaven and Earth in Stagnation, Qian above Kun below_An In-Depth Explanation of the Judgment_Eastern Metaphysics Library","Detailed explanation of Zhouyi \u002F I Ching Hexagram 12, Pi (Heaven and Earth in Stagnation, Qian above Kun below): the original judgment and its plain-language translation, an auspiciousness analysis of each line statement, and interpretations for career, relationships, and fortune.","䷋","\u003Cp>Obstruction: Obstruction by the unworthy; it is unfavorable for the noble person’s perseverance; the great departs and the small arrives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tuan Commentary says: Obstruction by the unworthy; it is unfavorable for the noble person’s perseverance; the great departs and the small arrives. Thus Heaven and Earth do not communicate, and all things cannot circulate; those above and below do not communicate, and there is no state in the realm. Yin is within and yang without, softness within and firmness without, petty people within and noble people without. The way of petty people grows, while the way of noble people fades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not communicate—Obstruction. The noble person uses frugality in virtue to avoid difficulty and must not regard honor through salary as glory.\u003C\u002Fp>",12,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 12, Hexagram Pi, the Sixty-Four Hexagrams, hexagram judgment, line statement, a detailed explanation in plain language",1787044933166]