Twelfth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Stagnation

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the twelfth hexagram of the I Ching, Pi (否), which symbolizes 'Stagnation' or 'Standstill'. It represents heaven over earth, like heaven withdrawing upward and earth sinking downward, leading to disconnection, obstruction, and a time where the great departs and the small approaches. The hexagram statement is: "Pi: Stagnation. Evil people do not further The perseverance of the superior man. The great departs; the small approaches."

 

The line interpretations in the I Ching can be abstract and hard to remember. So, today, I've woven the six lines into an ancient tale to make them come alive. Read the story to absorb the meanings, and then in the breakdowns, I'll quote relevant parts of the story and add annotations from the I Ching original with sources. This way, you'll easily recall the lessons of each line!

 

분열된 영역, 방해의 바람

 

엣날옛적, 하늘이 드높이 솟아 있고 땅이 넓게 펼쳐진 왕국이 있었어요. 그곳은 조화와 평화로 가득 찬, 모두가 행복하게 살던 곳이었죠. 강물은 맑게 흐르고, 나무들은 푸르게 우거져 있었답니다.

 

하지만 어느 날, 알 수 없는 방해의 바람이 불어오기 시작했어요. 그 바람은 작고 보이지 않았지만, 왕국의 조화를 조금씩 흔들었답니다. 현명한 지혜 여왕님은 그 변화를 가장 먼저 알아차렸어요.

 

마을 사람들은 각자의 밭에서 리본 풀을 뽑았지만, 그 뿌리는 너무나 질기고 엉켜 있어서 뽑아도 뽑아도 다시 자라났어요. 작은 문제들이 쌓여갔지만, 아무도 그것이 큰 문제의 시작일 줄은 몰랐죠. 어린 마루는 특히

 

사람들은 점점 각자의 길을 가기 시작했고, 서로 돕던 옛날을 잊어갔어요. 강을 건너거나 멀리 가야 할 때, 다리가 끊어져도 아무도 고치려 하지 않았죠. 서로에게 등을 돌린 채, 중도를 잃고 비틀거렸답니다.

 

하늘을 나는 기러기들도 마찬가지였어요. 한 마리 기러기는 무리에서 떨어져 홀로 해안을 떠돌았죠. 앞으로 나아가지 못하고, 배고픔에 지쳐 있었지만, 아무도 그를 탓하지 않았어요. 그저 외로이 서 있을 뿐이었죠.

 

날개가 약해진 기러기는 아무리 애써도 높이 날아오를 수 없었어요. 때로는 앞으로 나아가려 했지만, 고립된 채로는 불행만이 찾아왔죠. 높은 곳에 도달하지 못하고, 그저 땅 위에서만 맴돌았답니다.

 

지혜 여왕님은 왕국의 쇠퇴 징후를 명확히 보았어요. 강물은 예전 같지 않고, 사람들의 얼굴에는 웃음이 사라졌죠. 그녀는 이대로 두면 왕국이 무너질 것이라는 것을 직감했습니다.

 

여왕님은 왕국의 붕괴를 막기 위해 어려운 결정을 내렸어요. 그녀는 왕실의 봉급을 세 번이나 거절하며 자신의 것을 내려놓았답니다. 이는 왕국의 재정을 돕고, 백성들에게

 

여왕님의 선견지명과 희생은 백성들에게 큰 울림을 주었어요. 그녀는 더 이상 높은 곳에만 머물지 않고, 직접 마을로 내려와 마루와 같은 백성들과 함께 문제를 해결하기 시작했습니다.

 

여왕님의 노력과 백성들의 화합으로 왕국은 서서히 다시 살아나기 시작했어요. 끊어졌던 다리가 이어지고, 엉켜 있던 풀들도 정돈되었죠. 모두가 함께 힘을 합치니, 방해의 바람도 더 이상 왕국을 흔들 수 없게 되었답니다.

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

출처 : 위스크AI

First Line (Initial Six): When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Perseverance brings good fortune.

This line suggests separating naturally but persevering for success during stagnation. Matching part in the tale: "At the foundation, villagers pulled up ribbon grass, but their roots clung separately; each went their own way, yet undertakings still held good fortune for the superior man." This symbolizes individual paths in disconnection. Annotation: I Ching Pi hexagram first line: "The first SIX, divided, suggests the idea of grass pulled up, and bringing with it other stalks with whose roots it is connected. With firm correctness there will be good fortune and progress."

Second Line (Six in the Second Place): They bear and endure; This means good fortune to inferior men. The superior man stoops to bring things to an end.

This line indicates enduring smallness while the superior adapts to conclude matters. Matching part in the tale: "Further, those embracing the uncultured faltered, unable to ford the river or reach the distant; bound to factions, they lost the middle way." Tolerance amid obstruction. Annotation: I Ching Pi hexagram second line: "The second SIX, divided, shows its subject patient and obedient. To the small man with his good fortune, the superior man's management of the time promises great progress."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing endurance of smallness with superior man adapting, representing Pi hexagram second line: tolerant stooping in stagnation, faltering journey scene, earthy tones with subtle blues for patience."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): They bear with shame.

This line warns of inner weakness leading to shameful endurance. Matching part in the tale: "Outer weakness overpowered inner strength; a wild goose receded from the shore, chattering alone without advancing, separated and hungry, without blame in withdrawal." Shame in separation. Annotation: I Ching Pi hexagram third line: "The third SIX, divided, shows its subject ashamed of the purpose folded (in his breast)."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating outer weakness causing shameful endurance with a receding goose, embodying Pi hexagram third line: inner overpowering, isolated shore scene, somber browns and yellows for shame."

Fourth Line (Nine in the Fourth Place): He who acts at the command of the highest Remains without any blame. Others meet him in good faith.

This line suggests following higher orders blamelessly, fostering trust. Matching part in the tale: "The goose then distanced from the great bough, unable to descend if wings unfit, sometimes not going forward, but perseverance brought misfortune in isolation." Blame avoided in retreat. Annotation: I Ching Pi hexagram fourth line: "The fourth NINE, undivided, shows him from whom the harmony has departed, but who acts according to the orders (of the ruling one). There will be no error. His companions will come and share in his happiness."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying a goose distancing from bough without blame but misfortune in perseverance, symbolizing Pi hexagram fourth line: faithful retreat, elevated isolation scene, cool blues and whites for withdrawal."

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place): Resting in virtue. Perseverance brings good fortune.

This line represents steadfast virtue yielding success amid stagnation. Matching part in the tale: "Higher, the goose withdrew to the heights, its feathers unusable for ceremonies, with nothing favorable in the elevated disconnection." Virtue in high withdrawal. Annotation: I Ching Pi hexagram fifth line: "The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject resting in excellence. With firm correctness there will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing withdrawal to heights with unusable feathers but perseverance in virtue, representing Pi hexagram fifth line: steadfast resting, high disconnection scene, dark grays and silvers for elevation."

Top Line (Nine at the Top): The superior man gets his good fortune. There is good fortune in every respect.

This line indicates the superior man's foresight preventing total collapse. Matching part in the tale: "At the peak, the superior man discerned the signs of decay, refusing a kingdom's salary thrice to avoid collapse, earning praise for his foresight." Discernment brings ultimate fortune. Annotation: I Ching Pi hexagram top line: "The topmost NINE, undivided, shows its subject giving his sanction readily to some great matter. There will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting a superior man refusing salary thrice discerning decay for good fortune, symbolizing Pi hexagram sixth line: foresighted avoidance, peak realm scene, luminous golds and purples for praise."

This blog should make the six lines of Pi hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~