Hexagram 9: Infinite Loop
Image:
Yin follows Yang, endlessly and without purpose.
Judgement:
Though change proceeds, no progress is made.
Moving Lines:
- Line 6 -- Though problems are fixed, new problems arise. Success leads to failure and strength leads to weakness. The Wise One rejoices in this, for it means he will always be busy. Only the fool worries that he broke something else.
- Line 5 -- The system hangs while testing the fix. Code loops endlessly and does not respond to the user. All results recede into the bit bucket.
- Line 4 -- Despite all caution, the programmer falls into error. Code is written, but does not faithfully reflect the design. There is no possibility of advancement when all movement is in circles.
- Line 3 -- The design must handle the ten thousand things, each in its time. Without caution, it is possible to handle but one for all time. The Wise One checks his design patiently, to insure progress from one thing to the next.
- Line 2 -- Plans are conceived and revised and never executed. Through endless elaboration, the project is expanded forever, but there is no advancement. The Way of the Sage proceeds to the ten thousand bells. The Wise One honors simplicity.
- Line 1 -- The emperor changes his edicts with every passing whim. His servants know not what is truly asked. Plans cannot be made when no target is in sight. There is no sure foundation for progress.
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Translator's Notes