What this change means
The lake rises over the trees as four lines move, the second, fourth, fifth and top, and the stillness meets an extraordinary demand. The new figure's unmoving lines give the counsel. In 28 Excesses, unusual measures are needed to keep what you've built from collapsing; strengthen the foundations and step out of your comfort zone. Its first line says to begin such a project cautiously, checking each step so the base is solid. Its third line warns that rushing and ignoring advice bring loss, since people stop offering help to someone who won't listen. So bring the mountain's care into the bold task. Start slowly, listen to counsel, and build carefully. Boldness grounded in patience is what lets an extraordinary task succeed.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 28 Excesses, which stays still
To carry out an extraordinary project now, start cautiously, checking each step to build good foundations.
Spreading white rushes underneath. No fault.
- Line 3 of 28 Excesses, which stays still
Acting hastily and not listening to advice will lead you to loss, because in the end no one will want to help you.
The ridgepole sags. Misfortune.
- 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 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 28 Excesses
You're in a situation that calls for extraordinary measures to keep what you've achieved from collapsing. Check and strengthen the foundations that hold up your projects, take innovative action and step out of your comfort zone. That way your success is assured; otherwise, loss can't be avoided.
The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
28 Excesses → 52 Abidinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Abiding
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.