jiéAlso known as “Limitation” (Wilhelm/Baynes) and “Kieh” (Legge)
limitationmeasuremoderation
In plain words
Water above the lake: the lake holds just so much. Success through limits — but bitter, excessive limitation cannot be sustained; measure that fits is the point.
The attitude it asks for
Set clear, livable limits — on spending, on words, on work — and keep them without turning them into punishment.
Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.
'Kieh intimates progress and attainment:'—the strong and weak (lines) are equally divided, and the strong lines occupy the central places.
'If the regulations (which Kieh prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent:'—its course (of action) will in that case come to an end.
(We have the feeling of) pleasure and satisfaction directing the course amidst peril. (We have) all regulations controlled (by authority) in its proper place. (We have) free action proceeding from the central and correct position.
Heaven and earth observe their regular terms, and we have the four seasons complete. (If rulers) frame their measures according to (the due) regulations, the resources (of the state) suffer no injury, and the people receive no hurt.
The Image
澤上有水，節；君子以制數度，議德行。
(The trigram representing) a lake, and above it that for water, form Kieh. The superior man, in accordance with this, constructs his (methods of) numbering and measurement, and discusses (points of) virtue and conduct.
爻辭 The six lines
When one line moves, the hexagram becomes another:
上六Six at the top
苦節，貞凶，悔亡。
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject enacting regulations severe and difficult. Even with firmness and correctness there will be evil. But though there will be cause for repentance, it will (by and by) disappear.
Its symbolism
苦節貞凶，其道窮也。
'The regulations are severe and difficult. Even with firm correctness there will be evil:'—the course (indicated by the hexagram) is come to an end.
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject sweetly and acceptably enacting his regulations. There will be good fortune. The onward progress with them will afford ground for admiration.
Its symbolism
甘節之吉，居位中也。
'The good fortune arising from the regulations enacted sweetly and acceptably' is due to (the line) occupying the place (of authority) and being in the centre.
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject quietly and naturally (attentive to all) regulations. There will be progress and success.
Its symbolism
安節之亨，承上道也。
'The progress and success of the quiet and natural (attention) to all regulations' is due to the deference which accepts the ways of (the ruler) above.
The third line, divided, shows its subject with no appearance of observing the (proper) regulations, in which case we shall see him lamenting. But there will be no one to blame (but himself).
Its symbolism
不節之嗟，又誰咎也。
In 'the lamentation for not observing the (proper) regulations,' who should there be to blame?
Shown in the classical Chinese with James Legge's English (1882).
Questions about this hexagram
What does Hexagram 60, Measure, mean?
Water above the lake: the lake holds just so much. Success through limits — but bitter, excessive limitation cannot be sustained; measure that fits is the point.
Which trigrams form Measure?
坎 above 兌 — water over lake. Its nuclear hexagram (lines 2–5) is 頤 Jaws / Nourishment.
What happens when a line of Measure changes?
A moving line turns the hexagram into another one; the list above shows all six. With several moving lines, the guide to changing lines explains which text to read.
How do I get Measure in a reading?
Build six lines from the bottom up with three coins or yarrow stalks; the pattern — — - - - - — - - is Measure. You can also cast a reading here — the lines are decided by code, the text is this page's.