Hexagram 12 · ䷋
Great obstruction. Heaven and earth do not unite; all things do not flourish; the ruler and people do not communicate.
Complete obstruction and blockage. Heaven and earth remain separate, all things stagnate, rulers and people cannot communicate. The great depart while the small flourish—this is the time of standstill.
When heaven and earth fail to unite, they are obstructed. The small person flourishes while the noble person withdraws. This is the time of obstruction.
When heaven and earth fail to unite, they are divided. The small person prospers while the noble person withdraws from public life. This represents the time of obstruction and darkness.
Heaven and earth do not unite—the image of Obstruction. The noble person safeguards their virtue and restrict their expenses.
Heaven and earth failing to unite create the image of Obstruction. The noble person, seeing this, carefully guards their virtue and lives simply, reducing expenses and avoiding waste.
When grass is pulled, the roots follow. No error.
When grass is pulled, the roots follow. This is natural—no error.
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Grass pulled up brings the roots naturally, showing the movement from obstruction to peace.
Grass being pulled up brings the roots naturally, showing the course of events.
She bears easy reliance, uses it to span the wilderness. Not acting alone, one crosses great waters.
She easily bears children, using this to fill the wilderness. Not acting alone, she crosses great waters.
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Easy virtue spanning the wilderness shows one does not act alone.
Easy virtue spanning the wilderness shows one achieves through humility.
No deficiency in their honesty, no praised for their perfection. The old and strong depart, the young and weak receive clarity.
Neither deficient nor excessive, neither praised for perfection. The old depart, the young gain clarity.
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Without deficiency or excess, constancy prevails as old gives way to new.
Without deficiency or excess, constancy prevails as old gives way to new.
Depart without riches, not swerving to and fro.
Your loved ones depart, leaving no wealth. Yet you do not waver from the correct path.
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Departing without riches and not swerving shows proper alignment.
Departing without riches and not swerving shows proper alignment with virtue.
In sincerity, using the middle to unite.
You unite with others through sincere intention, using the middle way. Your virtue shines forth.
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Sincere application of the middle way demonstrates central virtue.
Sincere application of the middle way demonstrates central virtue.
It is regained, and one's home comes to itself.
The fallen city walls are restored. Your home returns to its former glory.
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City walls returning to their place shows peace restored.
City walls returning to their place shows peace restored.