Standstill

The picture is grass that comes up together with the stalks joined to its roots. Legge admits that “we should expect the advance of the subject of the first of the three weak lines to lead to evil”.

The line turns on firmness. Legge writes that “if he set himself to be firm and correct, he will bring about a different issue”, and the commentary finds the will “bent on (serving) the ruler”.

Wilhelm has ribbon grass that brings the sod up with it, and he adds “Each according to his kind.”

When only this line changes, it becomes hexagram 25, Innocence

The subject of this line is “patient and obedient”. Legge holds that “Patience and obedience are proper for the small man in all circumstances.”

Legge has a word for the great man as well. If he keeps the same patience and obedience in difficulty, “he will soon have a happy issue out of the distress”.

The line speaks to the great man too. The commentary says that “he does not allow himself to be disordered by the herd (of small men)”, and in Wilhelm “The standstill serves to help the great man to attain success.”

When only this line changes, it becomes hexagram 6, Conflict

Wilhelm has three words for this line, “They bear shame.” The commentary puts the shame down to “the inappropriateness of his position”.

Legge explains the position. The line is weak in an odd place, and its subject “would vent his evil purpose, but has not strength to do so”. He is left to his shame “without a word of warning”.

When only this line changes, it becomes hexagram 33, Retreat

This is the first whole line, and the text finds no error in it. Its subject is “acting in accordance with the ordination (of Heaven), and committing no error”.

Legge notes that the word may mean the ordination of Heaven or the orders of the ruler, and he leaves both open. “Whichever interpretation be taken”, the action “will be good and correct, and issue in success and happiness”.

Legge describes the subject as one “whose strength is tempered by the even position”. The commentary on the line says that “the purpose of his mind can be carried into effect”.

The good is shared. Legge has “His companions will come and share in his happiness.” Wilhelm has “Those of like mind partake of the blessing.”

When only this line changes, it becomes hexagram 20, Contemplation

Here stands “him who brings the distress and obstruction to a close”. The commentary puts his good fortune down to “the correctness of his position”.

Success comes with a warning. Legge notes that the ruler is “warned to continue to be cautious”, and the text gives him the words “We may perish! We may perish!” Held that way, things become firm as if “bound to a clump of bushy mulberry trees”.

When only this line changes, it becomes hexagram 35, Progress

The top line shows “the overthrow (and removal of) the condition of distress and obstruction”. The commentary asks of that condition “how could it be prolonged?”

Legge sees a necessity in it. He writes “It was necessary, that condition should give place to its opposite”, and adds that “the strong line in the topmost place fitly represents the consequent joy”.

Wilhelm gives the order of things in one short sentence, “First standstill, then good fortune.”

When only this line changes, it becomes hexagram 45, Gathering Together