I Ching · No.60 · Chieh / Limitation

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.

Translation

The Hexagram Chieh (Limitation). Success. If one finds limitation painful, its good or bad fortune cannot be divined. The Image says: The lower trigram is Dui, which is the lake; the upper trigram is Kan, which is water. Water fills the lake, so one must build high dikes; this is the image of Chieh. The superior man, observing this image, establishes policy systems and confirms ethical principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Maintain self-control and moderation, stop at the right point; assess the timing and situation, know how to adapt. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is advisable to keep to one's place and avoid insatiable greed. Everything must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: With upright conduct, fame and fortune will naturally follow.
• Wealth 财运: Operate with integrity, and wealth can be sought.
• Household 家宅: A wealthy household; marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Moderate the diet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is upright and correct, and wealth is abundant, but one should externally moderate expenditures and revenues, and internally moderate body and mind. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: A disciplined army can scale heights and cross dangers; it is capable of both defense and battle.
• Business 营商: The lake contains water, an image of abundance. If regulations are precise and discussions are accurate, there is no endeavor that will not profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Upright conduct, precise and detailed self-discipline; this is the image of fish and dragons finding water.
• Marriage 婚姻: Kan represents the male and Dui represents the female; water and lake complement each other. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The house faces a great lake, the household is wealthy. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: For illness, it is advisable to moderate the diet and be cautious in action.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui is the lake, Kan is water. The lake contains water, but its flow is limited; if there is too much, it will overflow. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Chieh (Limitation). The Chieh hexagram is the opposite of the Huan hexagram; they are mutual inverse hexagrams, used in conjunction. Only when heaven and earth have measure can they remain ever-new; only when the state has regulation can it remain stable; only when the individual has self-control can they achieve perfection.

• Overall Image 大象: The lake forms pools and marshes, and the water of Kan is above, symbolizing the storage and containment of water to prevent it from draining away; however, if the water level is too high, it leads to flooding.
• Fortune 运势: One's aspirations cannot be realized; all matters must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.
• Career 事业: Currently in a developmental phase, one must be careful not to make rash advances. However, one should not abandon good opportunities either; as long as the principle of pursuing benefit while upholding righteousness is maintained, one can act boldly. In this way, the career can continue to prosper and develop.
• Business 经商: Market conditions are good and very favorable; one should strive to expand and not miss opportunities. However, one must remain level-headed; investment should have limits, stopping at the right point and withdrawing when appropriate.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Demanding high standards of oneself, knowing the measure in actions, and avoiding extremes will allow one to proceed without obstacles and advance smoothly.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Do not fall into a state of losing self-control; letting things take their natural course will yield good results.
• Decision 决策: Seize opportunities and do not let them slip away. Moderating one's actions appropriately, without forcing things or taking risks, is just right. Do not be overly rigid in anything; change when change is called for. However, when it is time to practice limitation, one must do so. Limitation must have its boundaries; if it becomes too harsh, it brings pain and will not lead to a good result. This is known as having the opposite effect, and one must pay close attention to it.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject not quitting the courtyard outside his door. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Not going out of the courtyard gate, no blame. The Image says: Not going out of the courtyard gate is because one knows that the path to go will certainly be blocked.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, making progress is unfavorable; it is advisable to adhere to the old ways.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Cultivating oneself behind closed doors; peace is a blessing.
• Wealth 财运: Unfavorable for traveling merchants, but one can open a shop.
• Household 家宅: One can live in peace; husband and wife are well-matched.
• Health 身体: Dwell in peace and rest quietly.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune has not yet flourished; it is advisable to guard the gate and courtyard carefully, which will avoid blame.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to be a shopkeeper rather than a traveling merchant; no blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: For the time being, it is advisable to close the door and wait quietly; fame can be achieved by the fourth line.
• Warfare 战征: At the beginning, after dispersion, the army and citizens have just gathered; it is advisable to nourish their morale and not go out to battle.
• Marriage 婚姻: The first line corresponds with the fourth; the fourth obtains the way of obedience, which is the correct way of a wife, hence no blame.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to dwell in peace and rest quietly; no harm.
• Lost Items 失物: Still within the gate and courtyard, and can be found.
• Travelers 行人: Has not yet set out.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is. penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Repeated K'an Hexagram. Capture captives, console and pacify them, leading to success. On the way, one will receive assistance. The Image says: K'an represents water flowing continuously without stagnation, which is the image of the K'an Hexagram. The gentleman observes this image, thereby esteeming virtuous conduct, taking example from the continuous flow of water, and learning the methods of teaching and educating the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties and dangers, repeated perils and entrapments; many obstacles in affairs, proceed with caution. Misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face poor luck, numerous difficulties and dangers, and many blocked affairs; it is advisable to be cautious in speech and actions, retreat, and maintain safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (K'an below, K'an above). K'an represents water and danger. With two K'an stacked, it is danger upon danger, with numerous obstacles. One Yang is trapped between two Yins. Fortunately, Yin is empty and Yang is solid; sincerity and truthfulness can breakthrough and connect. Although dangers and difficulties are numerous, they serve to reveal the brilliance of human nature.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject not quitting the courtyard inside his gate. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Not going out of the courtyard gate brings misfortune. The Image says: Not going out of the courtyard gate brings misfortune, because one misses the opportunity, which is an extreme error.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, the fortune is unfavorable and matters are discordant; it is advisable to move rather than remain quiet. Officials are out of favor.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Procrastination leads to self-ruin, missing the opportunity.
• Wealth 财运: Missing the timing results in loss instead of profit.
• Household 家宅: No one is in the house; resentment from neglect is unavoidable.
• Health 身体: Difficulty in walking.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is just flourishing, and the opportunity is also good; the fault lies in procrastinating and self-ruin, which is a pity.
• Warfare 战征: It is time to make progress, yet being fearful and holding onto defense without venturing out instead brings misfortune.
• Business 营商: Goods are piled high and the market price is favorable; one could have made a profit, but due to being narrow-minded and missing the timing, it instead leads to loss. Dui represents ruin and breakage, which is the image of loss.
• Fame & Career 功名: The opportunity has not been met; it is difficult to expect fame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Missing the season of marriage leads to resentment from neglect. Misfortune.
• Household 家宅: Gates locked, an image of no one inside. Misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: The illness makes walking difficult, almost becoming paralysis.
• Lost Items 失物: It is an inside theft.
• Litigation 讼事: Fear of the disaster of imprisonment.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kun (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. (But) any movement in advance should not be (lightly) undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chun Hexagram. Supreme good fortune, a favorable divination. It is not advantageous to go out. It is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: The upper trigram of Chun is Kan, which represents clouds; the lower trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Clouds moving above and thunder stirring below is the image of the Chun Hexagram. Observing this image, the gentleman takes pattern from the clouds and thunder, governing state affairs with the benevolence of clouds and the majesty of thunder.

Shao Yong's Commentary

All things are beginning to live, starting with difficulty; labor first and ease later, bitterness ends and sweetness comes. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, they are in a difficult situation. It is suitable to defend and not to advance. Great effort and hard work are required to overcome difficulties before smooth progress can be achieved. This represents a sign of initial difficulty followed by resolution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Zhen below, Kan above). Zhen is thunder, symbolizing movement; Kan is rain, symbolizing danger. Thunder and rain together bring abundant dangers and a harsh environment. 'Chun' originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they are full of hardships and obstacles, but if they follow the seasons and correspond to destiny, they will surely flourish.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

. The third line, divided, shows its subject with no appearance of observing the (proper) regulations, in which case we shall see him lamenting. But there will be no one to blame (but himself).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: If one does not practice limitation, one will suffer; if one regrets when in suffering, one can be free of blame. The Image says: Regret comes from extravagance; whose fault is it?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, there is much hard work but little harvest.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gaining and then losing, sighing in helplessness.
• Wealth 财运: Not knowing how to preserve wealth, the blame is self-inflicted.
• Household 家宅: Wealthy first, then poor; joy first, then sorrow.
• Health 身体: Illness caused by lack of moderation in diet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not restraining oneself in youth leads to vain sorrow in old age; who is there to blame?
• Warfare 战征: Failing to plan when the time comes leads to regret that cannot be undone.
• Business 营商: When making a profit, one is proud and extravagant without measure; once it is lost, it brings lamentation, which is entirely self-inflicted.
• Marriage 婚姻: An image of joy first and sorrow later.
• Fame & Career 功名: Lost as soon as gained.
• Household 家宅: The third line is yin occupying a yang position, which is improper. It will certainly lead to being wealthy first and poor later.
• Illness 疾病: Illness caused by lack of moderation in diet; fortunately no great blame.
• Lost Items 失物: Give it up with a sigh, no need to blame others.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsü intimates that, with the sincerity which is declared in it, there will be brilliant success. With firmness there will be good fortune; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsü (Waiting) Hexagram. Captives are taken. Great good fortune, a favorable divination. It is beneficial to cross the great river. The Image says: The upper trigram of Hsü is Kan, representing clouds; the lower trigram is Qian, representing heaven. Clouds gather in the sky, waiting to bring rain, which is the image of the Waiting hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, eats and drinks, making merry, and waits for the right time to act.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The pit of Kan is ahead, obstructed and unable to advance; great vessels mature late, and the harvest comes afterwards. Minor misfortune: For those who get this hexagram, the timing is not yet ripe; patience is required to wait, as rushing forward will instead bring misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Kan above). The lower trigram is Qian, meaning strength and vigor; the upper trigram is Kan, meaning danger and pitfall. Meeting danger with strength, one should be stable and prudent, avoiding reckless action, observing the timing and waiting for changes; then where one goes will surely bring success.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject quietly and naturally (attentive to all) regulations. There will be progress and success.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Quiet limitation, success. The Image says: The good fortune of quiet limitation is because one is obedient to the will of the ruler.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, acting justly and abiding by the law, and being content with the correct path, will bring welfare and benefit. Officials will be appreciated by their superiors, and promotion is in sight.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Peace is a blessing; follow orders and act accordingly.
• Wealth 财运: Living peacefully in a foreign land, practicing thrift in everything.
• Household 家宅: Peaceful and without trouble; husband and wife are harmonious.
• Health 身体: Illness enters through the mouth.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A safe journey all the way.
• Warfare 战征: Those skilled in war first put the army's mind at ease; when the army's mind is at ease, they face danger without fear, and succeed wherever they go.
• Business 营商: The fourth line is at the beginning of the outer trigram, indicating a first-time trading trip abroad; if one can practice thrift in everything, one can live peacefully in a foreign land and one's schemes will succeed.
• Fame & Career 功名: Being able to comply with the ruler's will, fame will surely be achieved.
• Marriage 婚姻: The fourth line is yin occupying a yin position, obtaining its proper place and supporting the yang; naturally, the household will be safe.
• Household 家宅: Peaceful and obtaining good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: Illness enters through the mouth; if one can moderate the diet, one will naturally gain peace.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tui Hexagram. Prevalence. An auspicious divination. The Great Image says: This hexagram consists of two Tui trigrams stacked together, and Tui represents a lake; two lakes connected, their waters mingling and flowing together, is the image of Tui. Reflecting on this image, the superior man joins with friends for discussion and practice, and expands his knowledge.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The lake moistens all things, bringing double joy; harmony and happiness among peers, while firmly maintaining the correct path. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have many celebratory events and harmonious relationships, but they must firmly adhere to the correct path, otherwise disaster will strike.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigram (Lake below, Lake above). The lake represents water. Two lakes connected, two waters mingling, the upper and lower in harmony, united as one, with mutual help from friends, bringing joy and happiness. Tui means pleasure. Both sharing the virtue of strength and firmness inside, while presenting a gentle and yielding posture outside, firmly walking the correct path, and guiding the people upward.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject sweetly and acceptably enacting his regulations. There will be good fortune. The onward progress with them will afford ground for admiration.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Sweet limitation, good fortune. Going leads to esteem. The Image says: The good fortune of sweet limitation is because the position of the nine in the fifth place is correct, like a person residing in virtue and practicing righteousness, naturally obtaining support from others.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they are in good fortune, and their plans and hopes will succeed.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Suffering ends and sweetness begins; fame will surely become manifest.
• Wealth 财运: Trading rice in other regions; profit will surely be abundant.
• Household 家宅: Upright and thrifty; a harmonious union of a hundred years.
• Health 身体: Can be cured by dieting.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is like chewing sugarcane; it becomes sweeter with age.
• Business 营商: Sowing and reaping yield sweetness, so it is auspicious to trade in grains and rice. 'Going leads to esteem' means going abroad; especially trading rice and selling it to foreign markets will surely bring profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Suffering ends and sweetness begins; fame will surely become manifest.
• Household 家宅: The fifth line obtains the correct position, and the center is sweet; this indicates that the house must be centrally located and correct, the family atmosphere is upright, and their thrift is worthy of praise.
• Marriage 婚姻: A woman's marriage is called 'going'; 'going leads to esteem' means going to complete the marriage rites. 'Sweet' means following willingly, representing an image of a harmonious union of a hundred years. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is in the central palace; sweetness leads to fullness in the center. It is crucial to moderate food intake.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lin (Approach). Great success and supreme fortune, a favorable divination. When it comes to the eighth month, there may be danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing the Marsh; the upper trigram is Kun, representing the Earth. The dyke rises above the great marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This is the image of Lin (Approach). The superior person, observing this image, rules over the world, teaches and civilizes the people, thinks deeply and extends benevolence, tolerates and embraces all people, and their virtue and deeds are boundless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Approaching the lower from above, supporting and assisting each other; be mindful of danger in times of peace, and always remain cautious and vigilant. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, good fortune arrives, all matters go as wished, and human relations are harmonious, but one should not act with too much haste.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Kun above). Kun is Earth, Dui is Marsh. The earth is higher than the marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This symbolizes the ruler personally presiding over the world, governing the country and securing the state, with harmony between the upper and lower classes.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject enacting regulations severe and difficult. Even with firmness and correctness there will be evil. But though there will be cause for repentance, it will (by and by) disappear.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: If one finds limitation painful, divination brings misfortune; this person will feel remorse. The Image says: Painful limitation, divination brings misfortune, just like the top six yin line hanging alone at the end of the hexagram, resembling a person entering a state of poverty and impasse.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, they lack the favor of heaven, and have neither fame nor fortune. Officials who do not know how to adapt will have a bleak future.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not knowing how to adapt, living in poverty for a lifetime.
• Wealth 财运: Losing a good opportunity; sighing in complaint is useless.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to be open-minded; stubbornness makes it hard to live together.
• Health 身体: The condition of the illness is critical.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is correct, but being stubborn and inflexible leads to lifelong poverty.
• Business 营商: The opportunity has reached its limit, yet not knowing how to adapt leads to distress and poverty, making one suffer in vain.
• Fame & Career 功名: The person maintains integrity without flattery and guards himself in poverty, making it difficult to expect fame.
• Warfare 战征: The line image is doubly yin, weak and powerless, and situated at an impasse where resources are exhausted. Merely holding defense without venturing out will ultimately lead to misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: Yin is flourishing and Yang is declining; the illness has reached its extreme. Misfortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kung Fû (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in crossing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chung Fu hexagram. Offering pigs and fish; though the offering is modest, the heart is sincere—auspicious. It is also beneficial to cross the great river. This is an auspicious divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui is marsh. Wind over the marsh, wind rising and waves surging—this is the image of Chung Fu. In observing this hexagram, the noble person, inspired by the transformation of the state through moral influence, prioritizes moral education first, and thus carefully deliberates legal trials and does not lightly impose severe punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Trustworthy and substantial, sincere and faithful; assisted by close friends, plans and hopes can be fulfilled. Small good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the upright and sincere will find good fortune, receiving help from friends and succeeding in their endeavors; those with evil intentions will face misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Xun above). The original meaning of Fu is to hatch; the hatching date of an egg is highly precise, carrying the meaning of trust or faithfulness. The shape of the hexagram is solid on the outside and empty on the inside, symbolizing sincerity and truth in the heart, hence it is called the Chung Fu (Inner Truth) hexagram. This is the foundation of establishing oneself and conducting oneself in society.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.