Hexagram 12
Pi - Standstill / Stagnation
否
Meaning and Overview
The hexagram Pi (Standstill) is the inverse of the hexagram Tai (Peace). Pi has the lower trigram of Kun (Earth) and the upper trigram of Qian (Heaven), with Earth below and Heaven above. Kun is earth, Qian is heaven, with earth below and heaven above. The qi of heaven and earth do not intermingle, and all things are obstructed, hence it is named "Pi" (Obstruction). This hexagram symbolizes blockage and estrangement; the noble person should avoid difficulties through frugal virtue and not seek glory through emoluments.
Chinese Interpretation
《否》卦与《泰》卦的卦象相反，《否》卦是下卦为坤，上卦为乾，坤为地，坤为地，乾为天，地在下而天在上，天地之气不相交，万物不通，故名为“否”。此卦象征闭塞、隔阂，君子当以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。
Line Interpretations
These passages include the core hexagram statement, the six moving line texts, and traditional commentary where available. Read them as layered guidance: the early lines describe the root of the situation, while later lines reveal development, pressure, and outcome.
否之匪人，不利，君子贞，大往小来。
《否》卦之世，闭塞不通，是非人道的社会，不利于君子，君子坚守正道。君子躲避，小人当道。大人走了，小人来了。
Standstill: Unworthy men prevail. Not favorable for the steadfastness of the superior man. The great depart, the small approach.
In the time of Standstill, all is blocked and closed, an inhumane society. It is not favorable for the superior man, who must hold to his integrity. The superior withdraws, the inferior takes charge. The great depart, the small arrive.
初六，拔茅茹，以其汇，贞吉，亨。
初六爻，拔取茅茹，茅草根与根相连，坚守正道，吉祥，亨通。
Six at the beginning: Plucking the reed, its roots intertwined. With its kind, perseverance brings good fortune. Success.
The first six: Plucking the reed, its roots are linked together. Persevering in the correct path brings good fortune and success.
六二，包承，小人吉；大人否，亨。
六二爻，包容顺承，小人吉利，大人不利，亨通。
Six in the second: Embracing and enduring. The inferior man finds good fortune; the superior man remains in standstill. Success.
The second six: Tolerating and submitting. The inferior man is fortunate; the superior man is hindered, yet success is possible.
六三，包羞。
六三爻，贪于禄位，不知羞耻。
Six in the third: Embracing shame.
The third six: Clinging to position without shame.
九四，有命无咎，畴离祉。
九四爻，得行天命，没有过错。同类百姓将共享福祉。
Nine in the fourth: Acting with mandate, no blame. Those of the same kind share in blessings.
The fourth nine: Following Heaven's decree, no fault. The people of the same kind will share in good fortune.
九五，休否，大人吉；其亡其亡，系于苞桑。
九五爻，制止否闭不通的局面，大人吉祥；担心国家将会灭亡，采取挽救措施，国家坚如磐石，就像鸟儿将巢筑在苞桑上面一样，有惊无险，非常稳固。
Nine in the fifth: Bringing standstill to an end. The superior man has good fortune. 'It perishes, it perishes!' Yet it is bound to a cluster of mulberry trees.
The fifth nine: Halting the stagnation. The superior man is fortunate. Fearing the state's collapse, he takes remedial measures, making it as firm as a bird's nest in a thick mulberry grove—danger averted, stability achieved.
上九，倾否，先否后喜。
上九爻，改变否闭局面，原先否闭不通，后来改变过来，可喜可贺。
Nine at the top: Overturning standstill. First standstill, then joy.
The top nine: Reversing the stagnation. What was blocked is transformed, bringing cause for celebration.