What this change means
Five lines move and only the third holds, so the lake now rises above heaven, swollen to the brim. The third line, unmoving in the new figure, is the key. In 43 Overflowing, tension has built up and some situations could spill over; bring them into the open, but with careful words that don't provoke, and act generously to ease the pressure. The still third line adds that circumstances may push you into alliances with people who aren't entirely trustworthy; if you act clearly and keep your integrity despite the gossip, you'll succeed. So don't lose your center in the pressure. Speak carefully, keep your hands clean, and let generosity lower the temperature. Clarity and honesty protect you better than any alliance.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 43 Overflowing, which stays still
This is a time when circumstances lead you to ally with people who aren't fully trustworthy. If you act clearly and don't lose your integrity despite the gossip, you'll succeed.
Strength in the cheekbones: there is misfortune. The noble person, resolute, resolute, walks alone and is caught in the rain; soaked, there is resentment. No fault.
- The judgment of 52 Abiding
It's a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady: that's the best way forward in your present situation. Sometimes you need to stop, calm and confident, and wait for outer conditions to show you it's time to act. Don't go beyond what's happening now. There's no action, only a harmonious stillness, and staying that way brings success.
Still at the back; the body is not reached. Walking in the courtyard; its people are not seen. No fault.
- Line 1 of 52 Abiding
Better to stop too soon than to take ill-advised steps.
Still the toes. No fault. Lasting constancy is favorable.
- Line 2 of 52 Abiding
Right now you can only see to stopping yourself in the right place; you can't make sure others do the same.
Still the calves. It cannot come to the aid of what it follows; the heart is not glad.
- Line 4 of 52 Abiding
You're able to stay calm and trust that the universe will take care of things.
Still the trunk. No fault.
- Line 5 of 52 Abiding
You need not only to stay still and calm but also to keep quiet, because careless words could put you at risk.
Still the jaws; words come in order. Regret vanishes.
- Line 6 of 52 Abiding
There's perfect stillness, an inner calm that lets you master what's outside. Success.
Deep stillness. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 43 Overflowing
It's a time of excessive buildup: some situations are about to get out of control and overwhelm you, both personally and in your relationships. You need to bring what's happening into the open, but without speaking about it directly; watch your words so you don't provoke reactions. It's a time to act generously to ease the tension that's there.
It is proclaimed in the king's court. A sincere cry: there is danger. Word comes from one's own city. It is not favorable to take up arms. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
43 Overflowing → 52 Abidinglines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Abiding
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.