12. Standstill
Pǐ — Stagnation / Standstill
Trigrams
The Judgment
Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs, the small approaches.
The Image
Heaven above earth — but moving apart, not mingling. Heaven rises ever higher, earth sinks ever lower. Communication breaks down. Winter arrives.
Interpretation
The opposite of Peace. Heaven and earth move apart, communication fails, and stagnation sets in. This is not a time for grand initiatives — they will be blocked. Instead, withdraw into yourself, maintain your integrity, and wait for conditions to change. The small-minded may seem to be in ascendance, but their time is limited. Preserve your values and your energy for better days.
Advice
Withdraw and conserve your energy. Don't try to fight the stagnation — you'll only exhaust yourself. Maintain your principles quietly. This period will pass. Focus on inner development while outer conditions are unfavorable.