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䷻
Hexagram 60
Limitation
节 · Jié
Trigram Composition
Upper Trigram
Water
Lower Trigram
Lake
The Judgment (彖)
Limitation. Success. Galling limitation must not be persevered in.
The Image (象)
Water over the lake. The superior person creates number and measure, and examines the nature of virtue and correct conduct.
Meaning
A lake can hold only so much water — natural limits create structure and meaning. Healthy limitations bring order and freedom. But excessive restriction becomes oppressive and must not be sustained.
Advice
Set healthy limits — on your time, energy, and commitments. Structure creates freedom. But don't over-restrict yourself or others to the point of suffering. The best limitations feel natural, not galling.
Keywords
BoundariesStructureModerationNatural limitsSelf-discipline