Mountain above – Mountain below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Gen which translates to still, limit, confine, resist, rest. Trigram Mountain is repeated, indicating stillness as both the internal and external posture. Within this hexagram is an ancient reference to a human spine as an analogy for a mountain range. The body is thought to resemble a mountain when sitting in the lotus position. Mountain provides opportunity, for not only the body but the mind and spirit, to come to rest. This period of stillness is a transition time between actions and best utilized as preparation time for whatever comes next without the interference of external influences. Other titles for Gen are: Stilling, Repose, Rest, Inaction.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
Mountain represents foundations and borders. Without the individuality and solidity of Mountain within reality, there wouldn’t be reliable, discernable forms. Mountain is therefore representative of a creature’s or creation’s distinct structure, visible within the world. With distinct form, individuality becomes discernable. Individuals can change through the influence of others, but they also have the ability to ward off or resist change through the attributes of Mountain. Mountain can be used as protective defense or it can become as isolating as a prison. The doubling of Mountain in the external reality brings to mind a mountain range which may be analogous to a series of problems, a series of accomplishments, periods of consolidation or periods of stillness.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. The ideograph image shows a person with a big eye. Some scholars see this as an eye glaring, warding off anyone who tries to approach. Others interpret it as an eye staring, which came to be a symbol of keeping still.
In summary: To be able to move freely on your own path means you must first become entirely still. These times of stillness recapture the center of one’s own being without influence from outer circumstances. Humans are continually encouraged to join with others for socialization, community and support, but just as important, there are times to ward off those interactions and return to your original self. As with everything in life, these states need to be balanced on an individual basis. Within the quietude of Mountain, the ancients say that one should not allow their thoughts to go beyond his or her own boundaries during this time.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – If you are able to refrain from anxiously pressing forward right now and take some time in stillness to look at the deeper components of this situation, you will escape problems.
Line 2 – Although you have a good feel for when to keep still and when to move, you may find yourself in someone else’s situation and find you cannot assist them. Although this causes sadness, it is better to draw a boundary line and not take on their difficulties.
Line 3 – Explore and examine your situation. Forced stillness and too many regulations on natural desires can stifle your heart and create inner tension. Stillness is sometimes erroneously enforced by fear. In this circumstance, look for where you may benefit from less repression.
Line 4 – There is a tendency here to overreach, which may include adding in other people’s agendas to your path. Free yourself from all those outer distractions at this time because the best course of action is non-action; to become still and rest your mind.
Line 5 – Sometimes silence is much more eloquent than a torrent of words, most especially if those words are impulsive. Reactionary words can damage and have long lasting effects. The counsel here is keeping your jaw still until you have taken the time to give your words order and clarity.
Line 6 – Your inner composure has reached the top of the mountain in this situation. This may be compared to one who has come to a place of being able to remain in compassionate, tranquil non-action as needed.