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Hexagram:

52. Keeping Still

Line

Drawn as

Energy

Duality

Trigram

Dynamic

Polarity

Upper

Mountain

Youngest Son

Immature Yang

Lower

Mountain

Youngest Son

Immature Yang

Yang 8.png
Yang 8.png
Yang 8.png
Yang 8.png
Yang 8.png
Yang 8.png

6

5

4

3

2

1

Yang

Yin

Yin

Yang

Yin

Yin

Masculine

Feminine

Feminine

Masculine

Feminine

Feminine

#

English Name

Chinese Name

Hanzi

Pinyin

Action

Hexagram:

卦 Guà

52. Keeping Still

gèn

Meditate

Hidden Influence:

互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)

40. Deliverance

xiè

Untangle

Underlying Cause:

綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)

58. Joyous Lake

duì

Encourage

Expression:

Also known as:

I cultivate peace

Inner Stillness, Restful Pause, Centered Awareness, Silent Strength, Finding Peace, Embracing Quiet, Cultivating Patience, Meditative Calm, Balance in Rest, Grounding Energy

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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52

Binary:

100100

Structure:

Unicode decimal:

Unicode point:

Non-Core Gua

19955

U+4DF3

Sector:

303.75 to 309.375

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