既濟 Jì Jì · After completion

The judgment

Ki Zi intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

The image

(The trigram representing) fire and that for water above it form Ki Zi. The superior man, in accordance with this, thinks of evil (that may come), and beforehand guards against it.

The lines, bottom to top

1. Bottom line, solid

   The first line, undivided, (shows its subject as a driver) who drags back his wheel, (or as a fox) which has wet his tail. There will be no error.

2. Second line, broken

   The second line, divided, (shows its subject as) a wife who has lost her (carriage-)screen. There is no occasion to go in pursuit of it. In seven days she will find it.

3. Third line, solid

   The third line, undivided, (suggests the case of) Kao Zung who attacked the Demon region, but was three years in subduing it. Small men should not be employed (in such enterprises).

4. Fourth line, broken

   The fourth line, divided, shows its subject with rags provided against any leak (in his boat), and on his guard all day long.

5. Fifth line, solid

   The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject (as) the neighbour in the east who slaughters an ox (for his sacrifice); but this is not equal to the (small) spring sacrifice of the neighbour in the west, whose sincerity receives the blessing.

6. Top line, broken

   The topmost line, divided, shows its subject with (even) his head immersed. The position is perilous.