11. Peace

Judgment

泰：小往大来，吉，亨。

The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune, success. Heaven and earth unite: communication flows above and below.

Image

天地交，泰；后以财成天地之道，辅相天地之宜，以左右民。

Heaven and earth unite: the image of peace. The ruler divides and completes the course of heaven and earth, furthering and regulating their gifts, and so aids the people.

Lines

1. Line 1, yang (nine)

   初九：拔茅茹，以其汇，征吉。

   When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it, each according to its kind. Undertakings bring good fortune: move together as a team.

2. Line 2, yang (nine)

   九二：包荒，用冯河，不遐遗，朋亡，得尚于中行。

   Bearing with the uncultured in gentleness, fording the river with resolution, not neglecting what is distant, not regarding one's companions: thus one walks the middle way. Prosperity needs breadth and foresight.

3. Line 3, yang (nine)

   九三：无平不陂，无往不复，艰贞无咎。勿恤其孚，于食有福。

   No plain not followed by a slope, no going not followed by a return. He who remains persevering in danger is without blame. Plan for the turn of the cycle.

4. Line 4, yin (six)

   六四：翩翩，不富以其邻，不戒以孚。

   He flutters down, not boasting of his wealth, together with his neighbour, guileless and sincere. Leaders who come down to talk with the front line.

5. Line 5, yin (six)

   六五：帝乙归妹，以祉元吉。

   The sovereign gives his daughter in marriage: blessing and supreme good fortune. Peace secured through alliance.

6. Line 6, yin (six)

   上六：城复于隍，勿用师。自邑告命，贞吝。

   The wall falls back into the moat. Use no army now. Make your commands known within your own town; perseverance brings humiliation. When the boom ends, do not fight the tide.

In the enterprise

The hexagram of prosperity, synergy and open communication: good growth phases, post-merger synergies, information flowing through the organisation. Key reminder (line 3): 'no going without return'—prosperity is the best moment to prepare for the downturn.

Psychological lens

Resonates with psychological capital (hope, efficacy, resilience, optimism) and with optimism bias; Peace counsels deliberate caution in good times.

Related hexagrams

Situations in the library that use this hexagram

• A star business is slowing Enterprise, Line 3, yang (nine)
• At the top of the industry cycle Enterprise, Line 6, yin (six)
• Open innovation with outside partners Enterprise, Line 1, yang (nine)
• Public–private partnerships Enterprise, Judgment
• Office layout and collaboration Enterprise, Judgment
• Sharing prosperity with society Enterprise, Line 4, yin (six)
• Restoring balance Individuals, Line 3, yang (nine)
• Reconciling with an elder Individuals, Line 4, yin (six)

Situation readings are a reflective framework for discussion—not predictions and not a substitute for professional advice.