I Ching: Sixty-Four Hexagrams

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 52
• Hexagram Name: Gen (Keeping Still)
• Hexagram Image: Gen ☶ above, Gen ☶ below (Repeated Mountain)
• Hexagram Nature: A hexagram of timely restraint, symbolizing stillness, boundaries, self-discipline, and calm awareness

• Primary Hexagram: Gen Hexagram (Hexagram 52)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Jie / Deliverance (Hexagram 40)
• Inverse Hexagram: Zhen / The Arousing (Hexagram 51)
• Complementary Hexagram: Tui / The Joyous (Hexagram 58)

Gen is one of the Eight Trigrams and represents the mountain. Two mountains standing one above the other express stillness within and without: knowing where to stop, keeping to one’s proper place, and allowing action to resume only when the time is right.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Gen. Keeping his back still, he no longer feels his body. Walking in his courtyard, he does not see the person there. No blame.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

Hexagram Gen reveals the cosmic principle that movement and stillness each have their proper time. Stillness is not passive escape, but a deep awareness of timing, role, and boundaries. True wisdom lies in knowing when one should stop.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Six

   Line text: Keeping the toes still. No blame. It is beneficial to remain steadfast for the long term.

   Before action begins, knowing to stop first is the safest choice. If one can exercise restraint at the very outset of a matter, and remain upright over time, mistakes will naturally be avoided.

2. Six in the Second Place

   Line text: Keeping the calves still. He cannot rescue the one he follows. His heart is not glad.

   One already senses danger, yet lacks the power to change others, and can only follow along reluctantly, feeling inwardly burdened. This line suggests: sometimes one knows something is wrong, yet finds it difficult to withdraw.

3. Nine in the Third Place

   Line text: Keeping the waist still. Tearing the flesh along the spine. Danger smolders in the heart.

   Stopping too late leaves one unsure whether to advance or retreat, and harm follows. It shows that if the timing of stopping is inappropriate, even greater suffering may result.

4. Six in the Fourth Place

   Line text: Keeping the body still. No blame.

   One is able to restrain oneself, gather in body and mind, not overstep one’s place, and thus remain safe and unharmed.

5. Six in the Fifth Place

   Line text: Keeping the jaws still. Speech is orderly. Regret vanishes.

   Be cautious in speech and sparing in words; let words and actions remain measured. By holding to the center and stopping appropriately, regret naturally fades away.

6. Top Nine

   Line text: Steadfast and sincere stillness. Good fortune.

   One carries through the principle of stillness with a virtue that is solid, sincere, and substantial, bringing things well from beginning to end, and in the end attaining good fortune.

Guidance for Everyday Life

Physical and emotional state:

The above content is provided მხოლოდ as a reference for everyday self-care; if physical discomfort or emotional distress persists or worsens, please give priority to consulting a qualified medical or mental health professional.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of the Gen Hexagram is to quiet body and mind, respect proper boundaries, and know when to stop, so that stillness becomes the foundation for clear and timely action.