60. Jié 節
LIMITATION, MODERATION, MEASURE
Key Concepts:
self-limitation, necessary restrictions, discipline, self-control,
the ability to stop in time
It is necessary to find a balance between extravagance and asceticism, tyranny and anarchy, excessive enthusiasm and indifference.
Above is the trigram Kan (Water), below is the trigram Dui (Lake). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is rain pouring into a lake. If there is not enough rain, the lake will dry out; if there is too much rain, it can lead to the lake overflowing and destruction. Consequently, Jie is the hexagram of moderation and the application of sensible limitations.
Just as there is much more water in the world than can fit into one lake, so too are the riches and complexities of life boundless. If the lake received an unlimited amount of water, it would no longer be a lake. Knowing our own limitations allows us to prevent the dangers of excessive enthusiasm for anything.
It is easy to see that restraint prepares us for difficulties and that thrift today guarantees us opportunities tomorrow. However, we must be cautious not to allow moderation to turn into asceticism. To restrict ourselves and others too sharply is to allow the lake to turn into mud. Strict rules lead to tyranny, uprisings, and a decline in well-being. It is necessary to limit even the limitations themselves.
Jie reminds us that even limitations have their limits and throughout our lives, each of us must find our own level. The Book of Changes indicates: "indulging only in nature (temperament) is not feasible. This is defined as Measure. But if one blindly sticks to just measure and persists to the very end, there will be no progress in actions, the situation of Measure is impossible without analysis and distinction".
Just as there is much more water in the world than can fit into one lake, so too are the riches and complexities of life boundless. If the lake received an unlimited amount of water, it would no longer be a lake. Knowing our own limitations allows us to prevent the dangers of excessive enthusiasm for anything.
It is easy to see that restraint prepares us for difficulties and that thrift today guarantees us opportunities tomorrow. However, we must be cautious not to allow moderation to turn into asceticism. To restrict ourselves and others too sharply is to allow the lake to turn into mud. Strict rules lead to tyranny, uprisings, and a decline in well-being. It is necessary to limit even the limitations themselves.
Jie reminds us that even limitations have their limits and throughout our lives, each of us must find our own level. The Book of Changes indicates: "indulging only in nature (temperament) is not feasible. This is defined as Measure. But if one blindly sticks to just measure and persists to the very end, there will be no progress in actions, the situation of Measure is impossible without analysis and distinction".
I Ching Talking
If you do not limit yourself, there will be cause for sighing
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Do not go beyond the inner courtyard.
There will be no slander.
Trust yourself when it comes to actions and patience
Do not go beyond the outer courtyard.
Misfortune.
If you do not seize the right moment and begin to act, troubles may arise
If you do not limit yourself, there will be cause for sighing.
There will be no slander.
Extravagance and indulging your desires will solve nothing
Find peace in limitation. Accomplishment.
It will be right to work within the limits recognized by yourself
Sweet limitation.
Happiness.
If you take action, there will be praise.
Common goals and duties at work will lead to success
Persistence leads to misfortune. Regret disappears.
Attempts to impose too strict rules will lead to problems