Obstruction, Standstill (stagnation), Selfish Persons
Standstill occurs when heaven and earth do not commune; inferior people ascend, and the superior man withdraws into seclusion to safeguard his principles.
Mistrust prevails in public life. The superior man falls back upon his inner worth and declines dazzling financial offers to avoid danger.
Changing Lines๐
Line 1๐
When influence cannot count, drawing like-minded peers into retirement spares you humiliation and safeguards personal value.
Line 2๐
The great man calmly bears the personal consequences of standstill and refuses to mingle with the servile crowd of inferior people.
Line 3๐
Inferior people who have risen to power illegitimately begin to feel internal shame, marking a turn for the better.
Line 4๐
The standstill nears its end. The man who is truly called and authorized to restore order is favored by the conditions of time.
Line 5 โ ๐
Ruling line. Standstill gives way. Transition requires greatest caution and trembling awareness of danger, tying success to strong mulberry shoots.
Line 6๐
Stagnation does not cease automatically; continuous creative effort must be put forth by the right man to end it.