Mountain Stillness
gèn · Mountain over MountainStop where stopping is right, and let the mind go quiet.
艮其背，不獲其身，行其庭，不見其人，无咎。
Rest your attention on your back, where the self is out of sight. You can cross your own courtyard without seeing anyone there. Stilled this way, free of self-concern, you make no mistake.
The six lines
初六：艮其趾，无咎，利永貞。
Still your toes before the first step. Stopping at the start keeps you clear of fault. It pays to stay steady for the long run.
六二：艮其腓，不拯其隨，其心不快。
You still your calves but cannot save the one you follow. You are carried along against your will, and your heart is not at ease.
九三：艮其限，列其夤，厲薰心。
You stiffen at the waist and the muscles along your spine tear. Forced stillness is dangerous; anxiety smolders in your heart.
六四：艮其身，无咎。
You quiet the trunk of your body, holding yourself at rest. There is no fault in this.
六五：艮其輔，言有序，悔亡。
Rein in your mouth, and your speech finds its order. Regret falls away.
上九：敦艮，吉。
Stillness has become solid and deep, an honest weight like the mountain itself. This is a good way to finish.
The I Ching is a tool for reflection. Do not use it as the basis for medical, legal or money decisions.