Hexagram 12
P'iStandstill
Heaven (Qian) · Earth (Kun)
The image
Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of STANDSTILL. Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth In order to escape the difficulties. He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram is the opposite of the preceding one. Heaven is above, drawing farther and farther away, while the earth below sinks farther into the depths. The creative powers are not in relation. It is a time of standstill and decline. This hexagram is linked with the seventh month (August–September), when the year has passed its zenith and autumnal decay is setting in.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Heaven and earth separate
Hexagram Judgment
STANDSTILL. Evil people do not further The perseverance of the superior man. The great departs; the small approaches.
Heaven and earth are out of communion and all things are benumbed. What is above has no relation to what is below, and on earth confusion and disorder prevail. The dark power is within, the light power is without. Weakness is within, harshness without. Within are the inferior, and without are the superior. The way of inferior people is in ascent; the way of superior people is on the decline. But the superior people do not allow themselves to be turned from their principles. If the possibility of exerting influence is closed to them, they nevertheless remain faithful to their principles and withdraw into seclusion.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
- Earth (Kun)
- Earth · Receptive
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
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 cease to communicate, life stagnates. The petty grows inside the structure while the noble withdraws from outward power.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of STANDSTILL. Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth In order to escape the difficulties. He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
When, owing to the influence of inferior men, mutual mistrust prevails in public life, fruitful activity is rendered impossible, because the fundaments are wrong. Therefore the superior man knows what he must do under such circumstances; he does not allow himself to be tempted by dazzling offers to take part in public activities. This would only expose him to danger, since he cannot assent to the meanness of the others. He therefore hides his worth and withdraws into seclusion.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 12 (Standstill [Stagnation]) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 12 (Standstill [Stagnation]) reveal about love and relationships? Heaven and earth are out of communion and all things are benumbed. What is above has no relation to what is below, and on earth confusion and disorder prevail.... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 12 (Standstill [Stagnation]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 12 (Standstill [Stagnation]) mean for your career? Heaven and earth are out of communion and all things are benumbed. What is above has no relation to what is below, and on earth confusion and disorder prevail.... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does P'i / Standstill mean in the I Ching?
Heaven and earth are out of communion and all things are benumbed. What is above has no relation to what is below, and on earth confusion and disorder prevail....
How should I study Hexagram 12 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. The text is almost the same as that of the first line of the preceding hexagram, but with a contrary meaning. In the latter a man is drawing another along with him on the road to a...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
When heaven and earth cease to communicate, life stagnates. The petty grows inside the structure while the noble withdraws from outward power.
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.