Hexagram 60: Limitation
Hexagram 60, known as Jie (節) in Chinese, represents the principle of limitation and proper boundaries. This hexagram is composed of the water trigram above and the lake trigram below, creating an image of water contained within boundaries, symbolizing how proper limits create meaningful structure and order.
Trigram Analysis
The upper trigram is Water (☵), composed of one solid line between two broken lines, representing flow and adaptability. The lower trigram is Lake (☱), composed of one solid line above two broken lines, representing joy and openness.
When these trigrams combine, they create a metaphor for contained flow. Water's flowing nature above lake's receptive quality suggests how proper boundaries channel and direct energy effectively. This combination points to the importance of establishing and maintaining appropriate limits.
Symbolic Representations
In nature, Hexagram 60 corresponds to water contained within shores, creating lakes and rivers. This natural metaphor represents how boundaries give form and direction to flowing energy.
The hexagram also represents the sage who understands the power of proper limitation. This human dimension emphasizes the importance of moderation and restraint in creating meaningful order.
Core Meanings and Attributes
The essence of Hexagram 60 is the power of proper limitation. This manifests as:
The virtue of moderation. The power of boundaries. The wisdom of restraint. The importance of structure. The strength of order.
These attributes combine to create a powerful symbol of effective limitation. The hexagram suggests a time when establishing proper boundaries is essential.
Line Meanings
Each line in Hexagram 60 represents a different aspect of limitation:
The first line shows not going out of the door and courtyard, suggesting appropriate initial restraint.
The second line indicates not going out of the gate and courtyard, representing maintaining proper boundaries.
The third line shows one who knows no limitation, warning about the dangers of excess.
The fourth line demonstrates contentment within limitation, indicating peaceful acceptance of boundaries.
The fifth line shows sweet limitation brings good fortune, representing proper and beneficial restraint.
The sixth line reveals bitter limitation, suggesting excessive or harmful restrictions.
Practical Applications
In practical terms, Hexagram 60 often appears when there is a need for proper boundaries. It suggests a time when establishing limits is crucial. The hexagram encourages:
Setting boundaries. Maintaining order. Developing structure. Understanding moderation. Cultivating restraint.
Relationships with Other Hexagrams
Hexagram 60 has a special relationship with Hexagram 59 (Dispersion), as they represent complementary aspects of organization. While Hexagram 59 focuses on overcoming separation, Hexagram 60 deals with establishing proper boundaries.
The hexagram also relates to others that share its trigrams or themes of limitation and structure, providing context for understanding different aspects of boundaries.
Modern Interpretation
In contemporary usage, Hexagram 60 often appears in situations requiring proper boundaries or moderation. It can indicate:
A time for structure. The need for limits. An opportunity for order. The importance of restraint. A reminder of moderation.
Meditative Implications
As a meditation focus, Hexagram 60 offers insights into the nature of limitation and proper boundaries. It invites contemplation of:
The process of containment. The role of structure. The proper use of limits. The balance between freedom and restraint. The path of moderation.
Historical Context
In traditional Chinese thought, Hexagram 60 was associated with the concept of proper limitation and its role in creating order. This connection emphasizes its relevance to both personal discipline and social organization.
The hexagram was also linked to the importance of understanding natural limits, highlighting how proper boundaries serve both individual and collective well-being.
Summary
Hexagram 60 represents the principle of limitation, manifesting as the wisdom of proper boundaries and meaningful restraint. Its combination of water and lake trigrams creates a powerful image of contained flow, while its line meanings offer guidance on various aspects of limitation.
Understanding this hexagram provides insights into the nature of boundaries and the proper approach to limitation, while its practical applications offer guidance for contemporary situations requiring structure and moderation. Whether appearing in divination or serving as a focus for meditation, Hexagram 60 reminds us that true freedom often emerges through proper understanding and acceptance of necessary limits.
Next Hexagram: Hexagram 61.
Previous Hexagram: Hexagram 59.
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