Hexagram 52
Keeping Still (Mountain)
艮 (Gèn)
Mountain over Mountain
The image is of two mountains standing together, representing the principle of stillness in its purest form. This is not the stillness of stagnation, but the profound, immovable calm of a great mountain. This hexagram counsels stopping when it is time to stop, and keeping the heart free from the restless thoughts that drive one to ceaseless, often purposeless, action. It is the wisdom of meditation and achieving inner peace.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment describes a state of deep meditation. By "keeping the back still," one stills the impulses of the ego. This leads to a state where awareness of the physical self and its urges fades away. You can be in the midst of daily life ("his courtyard") yet remain so inwardly tranquil that the comings and goings of others do not disturb your inner peace. To achieve this profound state of calm is a blameless and worthy goal.
The Image (象传)
The Image teaches a practical application of stillness. The superior person, observing the stability of the mountains, cultivates the same stability in their mind. They practice being fully present. Their thoughts do not wander restlessly into anxieties about the future or regrets about the past. They keep their mind focused on the reality of their current position. This mental discipline is the key to inner peace.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving this hexagram is a clear call to stop. The time for action is over; the time for stillness has begun. Whatever problem you face, the solution will not be found in more activity. You must quiet both your outer movements and your inner "monkey mind." This is a perfect time for meditation, reflection, or simply being quiet. By cultivating a state of inner calm, you will gain the clarity needed to see the way forward when it is time to move again. For now, be the mountain: solid, calm, and still.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Keeping his toes still. No blame. Continued perseverance furthers."
You are at the very beginning of practicing stillness. You consciously stop yourself from taking a first, impulsive step. This is a good start and is without blame. It is important to be steadfast in this new discipline.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Keeping his calves still. He cannot rescue him whom he follows. His heart is not glad."
You are trying to remain still, but you are attached to someone who is moving ahead into trouble. Because you are keeping still, you cannot follow and save them. This creates a painful conflict, as your stillness forces you to watch them go astray, and your heart is heavy.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"Keeping his hips still. Making his sacrum rigid. Dangerous. The heart smolders."
This is a forced and unnatural stillness. You are rigidly suppressing your natural feelings and movements from your very center. This creates intense inner pressure and resentment. It is a dangerous state that could lead to a sudden, uncontrolled outburst.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Keeping his trunk still. No blame."
You have achieved stillness in the torso, the seat of the ego. By quieting the restless self, you attain a commendable state of tranquility. This is a significant accomplishment and is without blame.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Keeping his jaws still. The words have order. Remorse disappears."
You have mastered your speech. You do not engage in idle or careless talk. Your words are considered, orderly, and meaningful. By controlling what you say, you prevent countless potential causes for regret.
Top Nine (上九)
Top line - Yang
"Thickly padded keeping still. Good fortune."
You have perfected the art of stillness. Your calm is not empty but is substantial and benevolent ("thickly padded"). You have achieved a state of magnanimous tranquility that benefits all who come into contact with you. This is the highest good fortune.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram suggests a need for a "time out" in a relationship. The energy has become too frantic or conflicted. Stop trying to force solutions, stop having the same circular arguments, and stop pushing. Stillness is required. This may mean giving each other space or simply agreeing to a period of quiet. By letting the turbulent emotions settle, the relationship can find its calm center again.
Career & Business (事业)
In your career, Keeping Still advises a temporary halt to all activity. Stop striving for the next goal, stop pushing new initiatives, stop the frantic busy-ness. This is a time for strategic inaction. Let current projects rest. A period of quiet reflection will bring far more clarity about your next move than continued action would. Resist the pressure to always be "doing" something.
Health & Wellness (健康)
This is a powerful and direct message to rest. Your body and, most importantly, your nervous system need stillness. It strongly advises against strenuous activity and favors practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga nidra, or simply being quiet in nature. Calming the mind is the key to letting the body's innate healing intelligence do its work. This is the hexagram of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Financial Matters (财运)
The advice regarding finances is to do nothing. Halt all new investments, avoid large purchases, and do not make any significant changes to your financial portfolio. This is a time for conservation and holding steady. Be content with what you have. The "action" required is to keep your finances still and secure.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The lesson of the Mountain is the profound spiritual power of inaction and presence. In a culture that values constant motion, learning to be still is a radical act. Growth comes from quieting the chattering ego, ceasing restless striving, and finding the calm, immovable center within yourself. This hexagram is the very essence of meditation practice. By learning to be the mountain, you gain a perspective and peace that is unshakable.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is now—for stillness. Whatever you are facing, the correct response is to stop. Cease movement. Quiet your thoughts. Do not try to solve the problem with more action. The situation calls for a complete halt. In this quiet space, clarity will arise. Be the mountain.
