Above; Heaven the creative
Below; Earth the passive.

This hexagram is the opposite of Tai (11). Heaven is above moving further and further away. Earth sinks below into the depths. Pi is associated with the 7th month, when the year is already in decline and the decadence of Autumn is everywhere.

Stagnation. Evil doers work against the perseverance of the Superior Man. The great and good withdraw and the inferior advances.

Heaven and Earth are not in proper communion with each other and so there is a lack of understanding between all kinds of men. Matters do not have free course and conditions are unfavourable to the firm and correct behaviour of the Superior Man. The inner trigram is made of weak yin lines, and the outer of strong yang lives. So the way of the inferior appears to be increasing, and that of the superior waning.

Heaven and Earth stand divided, the image of stagnation. The wise man withdraws into himself and conceals his true quality. In this way he avoids the calamities that threaten him, but he will not be rewarded or honoured.
Where lack of communication leads to chaos, disunion or disharmony, things could reach a deadlock. It is better to withdraw and find strength within. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Action leads to misfortune.

Line 1

When the grass is pulled up roots and the sod come with it. Each in his own way find success by perseverance.

This text is almost exactly the same as for the first line of Tai (11), the preceding hexagram, but it has a very different meaning. In place of the word ‘enterprise’, we find ‘perseverance’ and the implication is not of a man drawing others with him into public service, but of one who persuades others to join him in retirement.

Line 2

They suffer and obey. Thus inferior people find good fortune. But the Superior Man uses the time of stagnation to achieve success.

Those in lower positions would gladly be instructed by the wise man, hoping that he could put an end to their confusion. But he, since he cannot improve matters, does not try. He keeps to himself and preserves his spiritual strength.

Line 3

He conceals his shame in his breast .

One of inferior standing has seized power, but realizing that he has no dominion over the people from amongst whom he has risen, he feels the first stirrings of shame. He may not admit his doubts in himself to others, but the beginning of self-realization is the first step to recovery. Those who grasp more than they can handle soon realize their incapability. This is a healthy sign.

Line 4

He who answers a call from on high is without reproach. Those who follow him will benefit.

The period of stagnation is near its end, and conditions are about to change for the better. The man who leads the people out of the slough of the despond must feel the call like the prophets of old. He must be competent, confident, authoritative, and unpretentious.

Line 5

Stagnation is coming to an end. There is great fortune for the great man. What if we fail? What if we fail? Then bind it to a clump of mulberry shoots.

When a mulberry bush is cut back, strong shoots sprout from the base; so the image of tying something to the shoots symbolizes a way of making success certain. Still success is uncertain, and caution is recommended.

Line 6

Stagnation is ended. Stagnation began it, but now there is good fortune.

This standstill in the affairs of men does not come to an end of its own accord. The right man is necessary to lead the people out of the morass and confusion in which they find themselves. This is the difference between a condition of stagnation and a state of peace; constant effort is needed to maintain peace, and if left to itself it will decline into decadence and stagnation again.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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Hexagram 13

Hexagram 11

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