Hexagram 12: Standstill (Pi)

Master Ưng Khiêm's Commentary: The hexagram Pi (Standstill) is the hour when heaven and earth do not mingle, when everything is stopped up, the very reverse of the hexagram Tai (Peace) that precedes it. But here at the Initial Six the obstruction has only begun, and the three yin lines are still joined at the root. What I teach you is this: in a hard season the noble one still keeps to the right way, does not run with what is base, and joins himself to those of like purpose so as to keep his integrity. Then, though the times are stopped up, he himself moves freely.

Master Ưng Khiêm's Commentary: The Six in the Second Place holds both the centre and the correct position, and in the middle of the season of obstruction it knows how to endure, bearing with things for a time in order to keep itself whole. What I teach you is this: the small-minded, meeting a hard season, seek only their own comfort by slipping and bending; the noble one may have to endure in the same outward way, but within he keeps his spirit firm and will not let bad circumstances shake his principles. That is the difference between endurance with principle and submission without it.

Master Ưng Khiêm's Commentary: The Six in the Third Place holds neither the centre nor the correct position, and in the season of obstruction it cannot keep itself straight either; there is something shameful in the heart, and instead of facing it the line tries to hide it. What I teach you is this: the line stands as a warning that when a person is in the wrong place and will not see it, and goes on covering over his own faults, he only sinks deeper into the obstruction and cannot get free until he dares to look at himself.

Master Ưng Khiêm's Commentary: The Nine in the Fourth Place is firm and yang and steps into the upper half of the hexagram Pi (Standstill), the point at which the season begins to turn and a person of ability and character receives the charge to reverse the situation. What I teach you is this: when the obstruction has reached the point where it can be turned, one with a large purpose must act at the right hour and according to his charge, not looking to himself alone but drawing those in the same case with him into the blessing. This is the line of the one who shoulders the task of saving the whole body.

Master Ưng Khiêm's Commentary: The Nine in the Fifth Place sits in the most honoured seat, firm and yang, holding both the centre and the correct position, with ability and character enough to halt the obstruction of the age and turn it round. But I lay particular weight on the words qi wang qi wang (forget not danger): even one who has won a great success must keep reminding himself of the danger of collapse and hold himself alert, bound fast as to a deep-rooted mulberry stump. It is that far-sighted caution, and not the glad relief of having come through, that keeps what has been won.

Master Ưng Khiêm's Commentary: This is the last line of the hexagram Pi (Standstill), answering exactly to the law by which decline at its limit turns to flourishing, just as in the hexagram Tai (Peace) before it flourishing at its limit turned to decline. The stoppage has reached its final limit and so overturns of itself, making room for a better season. What I teach you is this: no adversity lasts for ever, and one who has held to the way through the whole of the hard season will in the end be met with joy. Bitterness spent and sweetness arriving is the settled law of heaven and earth.