Line 1 Yang
Remaining within the inner courtyard is blameless. When the way is blocked, restraint recognizes the timing.
← The 64 hexagrams
HEXAGRAM 60 · Jié
Limitation
Proportionate limits keep life workable; prolonged harshness leads to blockage.
☵ Above: Kan · Water☱ Below: Dui · Lake
Meaning
Water above a lake needs banks and measure. Boundaries preserve resources, but bitter restriction cannot be a lasting way; timing both withdrawal and action is part of moderation.
FOR REFLECTION
Is this limit protecting something necessary or merely exhausting everyone?
The six lines
Read from line 1 at the bottom to line 6 at the top. These are paraphrases, not verbatim translations.
Line 2 Yang
Remaining within the outer gate is unfavorable. Once the time opens, continued withdrawal misses the opportunity.
Line 3 Yin
Lack of restraint ends in sighing, with nobody else to blame. Accept the consequence and adjust resource use.
Line 4 Yin
Contentment within fitting limits allows progress. A workable boundary is easier to sustain than repeated coercion.
Line 5 Yang
Pleasant moderation is favorable and earns respect. Fair, workable limits invite willing cooperation.
Line 6 Yin
Bitter restriction becomes harmful when persisted in, even if regret fades. Recognize when discipline has become excessive.
References
Classical Zhouyi · 節James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East XVI, hexagram 60
Editorial policy & bibliography →For reference and reflection. This commentary makes no certain claim about the future.