63. After Completion / Ji Ji

Line 6: Wetting the head. Danger. (Context: The final stage of completion. If one stops to look back in vanity or attempts to cross back into the past, they sink. To lose the caution of the first line and become submerged in the 'water' of the situation leads to certain peril.)

Line 5: The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox, but this is not as good as the western neighbor’s simple sacrifice; the latter truly receives the blessing. (Context: In established times, ritual often becomes hollow and ostentatious. A simple, sincere offering made with true spiritual intent carries more weight than a lavish but heartless display of wealth.)

Line 4: Fine clothes turn to rags. Be on guard all day long. (Context: Even in a time of prosperity, hidden leaks and decay exist. One must be prepared with 'rags' to plug the holes in the ship of state. Constant alertness is the only way to prevent a small rift from becoming a disaster.)

Line 3: The High Ancestor disciplines the Demon Territory; after three years he conquers it. Inferior people must not be employed. (Context: Maintaining what has been won requires the same rigor as the original conquest. Great tasks require people of character; employing those of small mind to manage the fruits of success leads to ruin.)

Line 2: The woman loses her carriage screen. Do not pursue it; in seven days it will be regained. (Context: A loss of status or protection occurs. Rather than undignified striving or forced recovery, one should wait. The natural cycle of time—seven days—will restore what rightfully belongs to the individual.)

Line 1: Dragging the wheels, wetting the tail. No blame. (Context: At the start of this period, there is a tendency to press forward too quickly. By applying the brakes and showing the caution of a fox crossing ice—getting only the tail wet—one avoids the errors of overambition.)