Hexagram 60, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line serves as a poignant warning against the perils of indulgence and a lack of self-restraint. It depicts a person who, failing to set or observe proper limits, gives in to excess. This could manifest as extravagance, emotional outbursts, or a general lack of discipline. The direct consequence is regret and sorrow—the "lamenting" or sighing over one's own foolishness. The crucial phrase, "No blame," is not an exoneration but a statement of accountability. The situation is regrettable, but the fault lies with no one else. The suffering is self-inflicted, a natural consequence of the choices made. This line, therefore, is not about external punishment but about an internal lesson learned through the painful experience of regret. The individual is forced to confront the results of their own lack of moderation.

Guidance for Action

This is a call for immediate self-assessment and the implementation of self-discipline. Examine the areas of your life where you are being excessive, unrestrained, or careless. Are you overspending, overindulging, or speaking without thinking? Acknowledge that any negative feelings or consequences you are experiencing are a direct result of this lack of limitation. Do not waste energy blaming others or external circumstances. The regret you feel is a valuable teacher. Use this moment of clarity to establish clear, reasonable, and healthy boundaries for yourself. This is not about harsh austerity but about finding a balanced and sustainable way of living. Correct your course now, and you can recover from this lapse without lasting damage.

For Love & Relationships

In the context of love and relationships, this line points to a lack of restraint that is causing sorrow. This could be one partner's excessive spending, indulgence in pleasure outside the relationship, or unchecked emotional volatility that leads to constant drama and regret. There is a pattern of crossing boundaries, followed by periods of lamenting ("I'm sorry, it won't happen again"). The "no blame" aspect signifies that the consequences are a natural outcome of these actions. If this is you, you must take responsibility for your behavior and its impact on your partner and the relationship. If this describes your partner, you must recognize that you cannot force them to change, but you can and must set firm boundaries to protect your own well-being. The lament may be your own regret for not having established these limits sooner.

For Career & Business

In a professional setting, this line warns against a lack of discipline, poor planning, and over-extension. It might represent a project that has gone wildly over budget due to extravagance, a team that wastes time on non-essential activities, or a business that expanded too quickly without the necessary structure. The "lament" is the inevitable result: missed deadlines, financial losses, strained resources, and a feeling of "if only we had been more careful." The "no blame" underscores that these problems are not due to market conditions or competitors but to internal mismanagement and a failure to set realistic limits. The guidance is to take full responsibility, conduct a thorough review, and implement stricter controls, budgets, and project management protocols immediately.

For Financial Matters

This line is a direct and powerful warning against financial profligacy. It describes the classic scenario of living beyond one's means, succumbing to impulse buys, and failing to adhere to a budget. The "lament" is the sinking feeling you get when the credit card bill arrives, the anxiety of seeing a depleted bank account, or the sigh of regret over extravagant purchases that brought only fleeting pleasure. "No blame" is the stark realization that you alone are responsible for this financial stress. It is a critical wake-up call to stop blaming external pressures and to take ownership of your financial health. The path forward is clear: create a realistic budget, practice conscious spending, and commit to long-term financial discipline. The pain of regret can be the catalyst for building a more secure and stable future.