All hexagrams · ← 11 · 13 →
否 12 · Pǐ · Standstill
Heaven over Earth — upper Qián 乾 (creative, strong, initiating); lower Kūn 坤 (receptive, yielding, nourishing)
Hexagram 12, Standstill (Pǐ, 否), is Heaven over Earth. Heaven above, earth below: they move apart. Disconnection; the small prevail.
The situation
Heaven above, earth below: they move apart. Disconnection; the small prevail.
The counsel
Withdraw and keep your integrity. Do not trade your principles for a place at the table.
The six lines
Line 1 — Pull up one grass and its roots come. Withdraw together.
Line 2 — Endure. The small bear it, the great stand apart.
Line 3 — They bear the shame of what they have done.
Line 4 — Act by mandate, not ambition. Companions share the blessing.
Line 5 — Standstill is ceasing. Stay alert; tie yourself to something rooted.
Line 6 — Standstill ends. First hardship, then joy.