節 → 恆
Hexagram 60: Limitation → Hexagram 32: Duration
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 4 changing lines (lines 1, 3, 4, 5).
Line 1
初九 不出戶庭。无咎。
Nine at the beginning means: Not going out of the door and the courtyard Is without blame.
Line 3
六三 不節若。則嗟若。无咎。
Six in the third place means: He who knows no limitation Will have cause to lament. No blame.
Line 4
六四 安節亨。
Six in the fourth place means: Contented limitation. Success.
Line 5
九五 甘節吉。往有尚。
Nine in the fifth place means: Sweet limitation brings good fortune. Going brings esteem.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
陶叔孔圉，不處亂國。初雖未萌，後受福慶。
Tao Shu and Kong Yu did not remain in a troubled state. Though unseen at first, later they received blessings and good fortune.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Water over lake counsels measured withdrawal, and this verse names two men who practiced it. Tao Shu and Kong Yu refused to remain in a disordered state. According to tradition, Kong Yu was a minister of Wei known for his wisdom and willingness to learn from subordinates — Confucius praised his posthumous title 'Wen' (cultured). The verse's logic is clear: though the signs of trouble were not yet visible at first, those who withdrew early received blessings later. From Limitation to Duration, the transformation validates their choice. Thunder and wind reinforce each other endlessly — the one who establishes a position and does not waver stands firm across all seasons. Timely departure from chaos is not cowardice but the foundation of enduring stability. They limited their exposure and thereby gained permanence.
The Six Lines app includes all 4,096 Yilin verses, each with original ink brush artwork and full commentary. Download on the App Store