Keeping Still (Mountain)
"Mountains standing close. He does not permit his thoughts to go beyond his situation."
The Judgment
Keeping Still. Keeping his back still so that he no longer feels his body. He goes into the courtyard and does not see his people. No blame.
Original Text
艮其背，不获其身，行其庭，不见其人，无咎。
The Image
Mountains standing close: The image of Keeping Still. Thus the superior man does not permit his thoughts to go beyond his situation.
Original Text
兼山，艮；君子以思不出其位。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"Keeping his toes still. No blame. Continued perseverance furthers."
Stop before you start if the path is wrong.
Original: 艮其趾，无咎，利永贞。
Six at the Place 2六二
"Keeping his calves still. He cannot rescue him whom he follows. His heart is not glad."
You see the danger but cannot stop the leader. Frustration.
Original: 艮其腓，不拯其随，其心不快。
Nine at the Place 3九三
"Keeping his hips still. Making his sacrum stiff. Dangerous. The heart suffocates."
Forced stillness causes tension and danger.
Original: 艮其限，列其夤，厉薰心。
Six at the Place 4六四
"Keeping his trunk still. No blame."
Resting the body brings peace.
Original: 艮其身，无咎。
Six at the Place 5六五
"Keeping his jaws still. The words have order. Remorse disappears."
Think before you speak.
Original: 艮其辅，言有序，悔亡。
Nine at the Top上九
"Noblehearted keeping still. Good fortune."
Tranquility and composure bring a good end.
Original: 敦艮，吉。