Limitation
Water over lake, the image of the limit, the discipline of containing within bounds.
Limitation. Success. Galling limitation must not be persevered in.
Water over lake, the image of limitation. The superior person creates number and measure and examines the nature of virtue.
In plain terms: Hexagram 60, "Limitation", is one of the 64 symbols in the I Ching — an ancient Chinese book you consult for guidance, a bit like asking a wise advisor. Its core message: water over lake, the image of the limit, the discipline of containing within bounds..
Modern Interpretation
A limit hexagram about the discipline of containment. Water above lake; the lake holds only so much. The classical counsel is that limits are necessary, but limits must not become galling; appropriate limit produces success, but limit applied too rigidly destroys the thing it tries to contain. In modern terms this is budget discipline, scope management, work hours, dietary moderation. The right limit serves life; the wrong limit becomes a prison.
Application by Life Domain
Honor real limits but do not impose galling ones. The relationship requires both space and bounds; both must breathe.
Set appropriate scope. Discipline budget, time, and energy without becoming rigid. The right limits enable; the wrong limits destroy.
Yes, set the limit. But review it; do not persevere in galling discipline.
Cultivate appropriate measure. The right limit serves life.
The Trigrams of This Hexagram
Upper: Kan (坎)
Water, the Abysmal, danger and depth. In Five Element terms: Yang Water.
Lower: Dui (兑)
Lake, the Joyous, openness and exchange. In Five Element terms: Yin Metal.
Other Hexagrams
Browse other hexagrams in the I Ching sequence.