Stagnation
"The great departs, the small arrives. It is a time to retreat and hide your worth."
The Judgment
Stagnation. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior man. The great departs; the small approaches.
Original Text
否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。
The Image
Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Stagnation. Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape the difficulties. He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
Original Text
天地不交，否；君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"Pulling up reed grass with roots intertwined. Perseverance brings good fortune and success."
Retire together with like-minded people to avoid danger.
Original: 拔茅茹，以其汇。贞吉亨。
Six at the Place 2六二
"They bear and endure. Good fortune for inferior people. The stagnation serves to help the great man to attain success."
Inferior people flatter the powerful. The superior man accepts stagnation rather than compromising.
Original: 包承，小人吉，大人否亨。
Six at the Place 3六三
"They bear shame."
Associating with the wrong people leads to embarrassment.
Original: 包羞。
Nine at the Place 4九四
"He who acts at the command of the highest remains without blame. Those of like mind partake of the blessing."
When the time changes, you can act with authority to restore order.
Original: 有命无咎，畴离祉。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"Stagnation is giving way. Good fortune for the great man. "What if it should fail, what if it should fail?" In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots."
Success is near, but do not be complacent. Constant vigilance ensures safety.
Original: 休否，大人吉。其亡其亡，系于苞桑。
Nine at the Top上九
"The stagnation comes to an end. First stagnation, then good fortune."
Darkness passes, and light returns. Celebration follows hardship.
Original: 倾否，先否后喜。