12 · Stagnation (PǏ)
Stagnation is a phase when Heaven and Earth do not communicate and levels of life lose connection. Do not decorate the impasse with outward status; keep integrity, preserve reliable bonds, and wait for structure to reopen.
The judgment
Stagnation: this is not a time for people. The noble one's steadfastness finds no advantage; the great departs and the small arrives.
When communication breaks down and values invert, a principled person need not force acceptance. Preserve strength and principle before pursuing appearances of success.
Original Chinese text
否，否之匪人，不利君子貞，大往小來。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Pull up grass with its intertwined roots; with those connected to it, steadfastness brings good fortune and success.
Original Chinese
拔茅茹，以其彙，貞吉亨。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Bearing and containing: good fortune for the small person; for the great person, Stagnation still has its success.
Original Chinese
包承，小人吉，大人否亨。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Containing shame.
Original Chinese
包羞。
- 九四 · Line 4 — There is a mandate: no blame. Those of like kind receive blessing.
Original Chinese
有命無咎，疇離祉。
- 九五 · Line 5 — Stagnation comes to rest: for the great person, good fortune. 'It may perish, it may perish'—tie it to the clustered mulberry roots.
Original Chinese
休否，大人吉。其亡其亡，繫于苞桑。
- 上九 · Line 6 — Stagnation overturns: first Stagnation, then joy.
Original Chinese
傾否，先否后喜。