Hexagram 12
否 Pǐ
Standstill (Stagnation)
乾
Qian — Creative
Heaven · Father
坤
Kun — Receptive
Earth · Mother
Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches.
Heaven and earth do not unite: the image of Standstill. Thus the superior person falls back upon inner worth in order to escape the difficulties.
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to their kind. Perseverance brings good fortune and success.
They bear and endure; this means good fortune for inferior people. The standstill serves to help the great person to attain success.
They bear shame.
Acting on the command of the highest brings no blame. Those of like mind partake of the blessing.
Standstill is giving way. Good fortune for the great person. 'What if it should fail, what if it should fail?' In this way they tie it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.
The standstill comes to an end. First standstill, then good fortune.