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Hexagram:
Also known as:
52. Keeping Still
Inner Stillness, Restful Pause, Centered Awareness, Silent Strength, Finding Peace, Embracing Quiet, Cultivating Patience, Meditative Calm, Balance in Rest, Grounding Energy
Line
Drawn as
Energy
Duality
Trigram
Dynamic
Polarity
Meaning
Yang
Masculine
Yin
Feminine
Yin
Feminine
Yang
Masculine
Yin
Feminine
Trigram
3
Lower
2
1
6
Upper
5
4
Mountain
Youngest Son
Immature Yang
Meaning
Mountain
Youngest Daughter
Immature Yin
Meaning
Yin
Feminine
#
English Name
Chinese Name
Hanzi
Pinyin
Action
Hexagram:
卦 Guà
Hidden Influence:
互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)
Underlying Cause:
綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)
52. Keeping Still
艮
gèn
Meditate
40. Deliverance
解
duì
Untangle
58. Joyous Lake
兌
xiè
Encourage
Expression:
I cultivate peace
Affirmation:
I find peace and clarity in stillness, trusting that moments of pause lead to deeper understanding.
Image (Legge):
Mountains standing close together: the image of Keeping Still.. Thus the superior man does not permit his thoughts to go beyond his situation.
Judgement (Legge):
Keeping Still. Keeping his back still so that he no longer feels his body. He goes into his courtyard and does not see his people. No blame.
Overall meaning:
Keeping Still represents stillness, inner peace, and the strength that comes from quiet self-reflection. This hexagram symbolizes a time for pausing, grounding oneself, and finding stability within, much like a mountain that remains unmoved by external forces. Keeping Still encourages one to let go of restless thoughts or impulses and instead cultivate a calm, centered state. It suggests that by embracing moments of silence and non-action, one can gain clarity, connect with inner wisdom, and restore balance amidst life’s demands.
The essence of Hexagram 52 lies in the practice of mindfulness, patience, and acceptance. It teaches that true strength often comes not from doing, but from being—finding purpose in rest, reflection, and presence. This hexagram reminds us that in times of stillness, we can reconnect with our deepest intentions and create a stable foundation from which to move forward thoughtfully. In this way, Keeping Still emphasizes the value of introspection and the peace that arises from within, guiding one to approach life with greater clarity, resilience, and self-awareness.
Quotes:
Upright Hexagram
Rotated 90°
counter clockwise
Change - - to 0
Change — to 1
Binary Number Created:
100100
Line 1:
Embarking / Initiating
The first line shows someone trying to control their toes, the smallest part of the body, to remain still. This line suggests that true stillness begins with small efforts and self-discipline, laying the foundation for deeper calm.
Line 2:
Discovery / Inner Harmony
In this line, the stillness extends to the calves, indicating a deeper level of restraint. By learning to hold back impulses and remain composed, one begins to cultivate inner peace and stability.
Line 3:
Gateway /
Portal
The third line warns against trying to hold stillness through sheer willpower, as excessive force can lead to inner tension. This line advises finding balance between control and relaxation, allowing calmness to arise naturally without struggle.
Line 4:
Showing up / Approach
Here, the subject finds stillness in their heart, reaching a place of true inner peace. This line suggests that when one’s emotions and desires are quieted, genuine calm is achieved, providing clarity and strength.
Line 5:
External Focus /
Periphery
The fifth line shows someone who maintains calmness even amid turbulent situations, remaining centered. By cultivating inner stillness, they are not easily disturbed, allowing them to respond wisely and calmly to whatever arises.
Line 6:
Pinnacle / Breakthrough Awaits
The sixth line represents complete stillness that permeates the entire being, achieving a state of profound tranquility. This line teaches that when stillness is fully embraced, one can find peace regardless of external circumstances, embodying a deep and lasting calm.
52
Binary:
100100
Structure:
Unicode decimal:
Unicode point:
Non-Core Gua
19955
U+4DF3
Sector:
303.75 to 309.375
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