Jie, six at the topHexagram 60, line 6 · Jie (Limitation) · changing to 61
The line
In plain wordsRestraint carried to the point of making people suffer brings misfortune even when it comes from the right way. Still, better frugal than extravagant: once you know to regret it, the remorse too will vanish.
The Image commentary on this line
苦節貞凶，其道窮也。
"Bitter limitation. Persisting brings misfortune": its way is exhausted.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
慎Proceed with care. The text speaks of misfortune and also says it can be avoided. The danger lies in rushing and forcing. Stay steady, correct mistakes, and the bad outcome can be escaped.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- The rules are set so rigidly that you and everyone else are pushed past what you can bear. Hold on stubbornly like this and things will go wrong. Once you see it has gone too far, loosen up; there is still time.
- Love
- Restraint has gone too far: you hold your feelings down and never voice them, or you govern the other person with strict rules, and life turns bitter. Pushing on like this is bad; once you see it and are willing to change, there will be nothing left to regret.
- Money
- You save so hard that you begrudge even food and a visit to the doctor. Saving like this makes you suffer and can't last. Frugality itself is not wrong; it has just gone too far. Loosen up a little, and you won't regret it.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Jie.
Line position
A yin line in a yin place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
Top place: the end of the matter. What reaches its limit turns. Know when to stop.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Jie (Limitation); when this line changes it becomes Zhongfu (Inner Truth): hexagram 60 changing to 61.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Zhongfu (Inner Truth)
Sincerity moves people. This matter rests on one word: trust.