# Hexagram 52 · Gèn (艮) · Stillness

> **GuaCard #52 (Pause)**: Be still; then move with clarity. / 先静下来，再清楚地行动。

Mountain upon mountain: this hexagram is about stillness. Stop when it is time to stop, and move when it is time to move. Let your mind settle, do not be pulled around by outside things, and think clearly before acting. Stillness is a strength in itself.

_Editorial summary_

## Judgment

艮其背，不獲其身，行其庭，不見其人，无咎。

When one’s resting is like that of the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard, and does not see any (of the persons) in it,—there will be no error.

## Line 1

初六：艮其趾，无咎，利永貞。

The first line, divided, shows its subject keeping his toes at rest. There will be no error; but it will be advantageous for him to be persistently firm and correct.

## Line 2

六二：艮其腓，不拯其隨，其心不快。

The second line, divided, shows its subject keeping the calves of his legs at rest. He cannot help (the subject of the line above) whom he follows, and is dissatisfied in his mind.

## Line 3

九三：艮其限，列其夤，厲薰心。

The third line, undivided, shows its subject keeping his loins at rest, and separating the ribs (from the body below). The situation is perilous, and the heart glows with suppressed excitement.

## Line 4

六四：艮其身，无咎。

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject keeping his trunk at rest. There will be no error.

## Line 5

六五：艮其輔，言有序，悔亡。

The fifth line, divided, shows its subject keeping his jawbones at rest, so that his words are (all) orderly. Occasion for repentance will disappear.

## Line 6

上九：敦艮，吉。

The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject devotedly maintaining his restfulness. There will be good fortune.

## Sources

- [周易 · 中文原文（Ruism Digital Library）](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/52#52.1)
- [James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East, XVI](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/52#52.1)