Hexagram 63 · 既濟

Water stands above fire, a balanced arrangement in which each can serve a useful function. Every yang line occupies an odd place and every yin line an even place. Ji Ji means already across or after completion. The picture asks how a finished arrangement can remain sound once the first effort is over.

1. Line 1 · 初九

   曳其輪，濡其尾，无咎。

   Dragging the wheels back, wetting the tail. No blame.

   Nine in the first place is correctly placed yang restraining movement at the beginning. The Small Image approves holding back, like slowing the final handover long enough to check that essential records are complete.

2. Line 2 · 六二

   婦喪其茀，勿逐，七日得。

   The woman loses her carriage screen. Do not pursue it; in seven days it is recovered.

   Six in the second place is central and fitting yin corresponding with the fifth yang. The Small Image credits the middle way, like allowing a minor administrative delay to resolve through normal channels rather than disrupting the whole project.

3. Line 3 · 九三

   高宗伐鬼方，三年克之，小人勿用。

   Gaozong attacks the Gui territory and overcomes it in three years. Do not employ petty people.

   Nine in the third place is strong yang carrying an arduous undertaking to completion. The Small Image stresses weariness, like finishing a long project and choosing dependable people to maintain it rather than rewarding mere ambition.

4. Line 4 · 六四

   繻有衣袽，終日戒。

   Keep cloth rags ready against a leak. Remain watchful throughout the day.

   Six in the fourth place is fitting yin attentive to small weaknesses after completion. The Small Image notes remaining uncertainty, like keeping the means for a minor repair available while a newly installed system settles into use.

5. Line 5 · 九五

   東鄰殺牛，不如西鄰之禴祭，實受其福。

   The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox, but does not equal the western neighbor's simple seasonal offering, which truly receives the blessing.

   Nine in the fifth place is central and correct yang asked to distinguish scale from fitting timing. The Small Image favors the timely offering, like a modest thank-you given attentively rather than an expensive gesture made after the need has passed.

6. Line 6 · 上六

   濡其首，厲。

   Wetting the head. Danger.

   Six at the top is yin at the extreme of a completed crossing. The Small Image asks how this could last, like someone becoming so absorbed in celebrating a result that ordinary upkeep is neglected.

Treat completion as a change of responsibility. Preserve balance through modest maintenance and timely attention rather than either complacency or constant alarm.

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