Hexagram 51 · Line 6
The Arousing — 上九
Zhen · Shang Jiu
The Line
The shock brings decay and anxious looking around. To go forward brings misfortune. If it has not yet reached one's own body, but has first reached the neighbor, it is no blame. The comrades have something to say.
Interpretation
Inner shock robs one of reflection and clarity of vision when it has risen to the highest. In such a shock it is naturally not possible to act reflectively. Here the right thing is to keep still until calm and clarity have been found again. But to this one is only capable as long as one has not yet oneself been infected by the agitation, while one can already observe in the surroundings the ominous effects of such agitation. If one now withdraws in good time from action, one remains free of mistakes and harm. But the comrades in their agitation, who no longer let themselves be warned, will surely be dissatisfied with one. But one must take no regard of that.