Hexagram 60 · Jié (节) · Measured Limits
- Upper trigram
- 坎 Water
- Lower trigram
- 兑 Lake
Like the joints of bamboo, this hexagram is about measured limits. Appropriate boundaries bring order to life and work. Yet limits should not become harsh: rules that are too strict cannot be sustained. The task is to find the right measure.
Editorial summaryJudgment
節：亨。苦節不可貞。
Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.
Line 1
初九：不出戶庭，无咎。
The first line, undivided, shows its subject not quitting the courtyard outside his door. There will be no error.
Line 2
九二：不出門庭，凶。
The second line, undivided, shows its subject not quitting the courtyard inside his gate. There will be evil.
Line 3
六三：不節若，則嗟若，无咎。
The third line, divided, shows its subject with no appearance of observing the (proper) regulations, in which case we shall see him lamenting. But there will be no one to blame (but himself).
Line 4
六四：安節，亨。
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject quietly and naturally (attentive to all) regulations. There will be progress and success.
Line 5
九五：甘節，吉；往有尚。
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject sweetly and acceptably enacting his regulations. There will be good fortune. The onward progress with them will afford ground for admiration.
Line 6
上六：苦節，貞凶，悔亡。
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject enacting regulations severe and difficult. Even with firmness and correctness there will be evil. But though there will be cause for repentance, it will (by and by) disappear.
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