Jie (Limitation) · 节

Judgment (卦辞)

Limitation. Success. Galling limitation must not be persevered in. There is no blame in limitation that sets bounds but remains flexible. Excessive limitation becomes oppressive and leads to revolt. Wise limits serve freedom rather than restrict it.

节：亨，苦节不可贞。

Image (象辞)

Water over lake — the image of Limitation. Thus the superior man creates numbers and measures and examines the nature of virtues and duties. Water contained within the lake demonstrates natural limitation; boundaries must be functional and not oppressive.

泽上有水，节；君子以制数度，议德行。

Modern Application

Jie-Limitation teaches setting functional boundaries — limits that serve rather than oppress. Essential for budget management, regulatory design, and personal discipline systems.

节教导设定功能性边界——服务于而非压迫的限制。对预算管理、监管设计和个人纪律系统至关重要。