既濟 After Completion

Also known as Already Across

Every line is in its proper place — a perfect balance. But perfect balance is unstable: from here only decline is possible.

after completion · apparent success · vigilance

The Story

A boat arrived at the harbor after a long, dangerous crossing. The passengers cheered. The captain did not cheer. He ordered the sails lowered carefully, the ropes coiled, the watch set, the holds inspected. "The journey ended an hour ago," said a passenger. "No," said the captain. "The journey ends when the boat is moored, the cargo is landed, and the crew is fed. Many a ship has been lost in its home harbor because someone stopped paying attention the moment they could see the pier." Completion is a moment; carelessness at its edge undoes the whole voyage.

Harbor In Sight panel 1 for Hexagram 63, After Completion. — Harbor In Sight

Captain Does Not Cheer panel 2 for Hexagram 63, After Completion. — Captain Does Not Cheer

Ropes Coiled panel 3 for Hexagram 63, After Completion. — Ropes Coiled

Cargo Landed panel 4 for Hexagram 63, After Completion. — Cargo Landed

Crew Fed panel 5 for Hexagram 63, After Completion. — Crew Fed

Moored Completion panel 6 for Hexagram 63, After Completion. — Moored Completion

The Judgment

Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning, good fortune. At the end, disorder.

The Image

Water over fire: the image of the condition after completion. Thus the superior person takes thought of misfortune and arms themselves against it in advance.

Interpretation

Every line is in its proper place — a perfect balance. But perfect balance is unstable: from here only decline is possible. The hexagram is a warning at the height of success: enjoy the moment, guard the achievement, prepare for the return.

Trigrams

Upper · Outer

坎

Kǎn · Water

the abysmal, danger, flow

Lower · Inner

離

Lí · Fire

the clinging, brightness, clarity

The Six Lines

First (Bottom) He brakes his wheels. He gets his tail in the water. No blame. Restraint at the moment of finishing — wise caution.
Second The woman loses the curtain of her carriage. Do not run after it; on the seventh day you will get it. Small losses in good times; do not chase.
Third The illustrious ancestor disciplines the devil's country. After three years he conquers it. Common people must not be employed. Long, hard campaigns that wear out ordinary capacity; use seasoned hands.
Fourth The finest clothes turn to rags. Be careful all day long. What seems most solid frays; continual vigilance.
Fifth The neighbour in the east who slaughters an ox does not attain as much real happiness as the neighbour in the west with his small offering. Sincere small offerings outweigh showy large ones.
Sixth (Top) He gets his head in the water. Danger. The final overreach after completion; pride leads to downfall.