I Ching · No.47 · K'un / Oppression (Exhaustion)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

Translation

Kun (Oppression/Exhaustion). Success. Divination regarding matters of princes and nobles is auspicious, without misfortune. When encountering this hexagram in divination, a person with guilt cannot clear themselves through explanations. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The upper trigram is Dui (Lake), and the lower trigram is Kan (Water). Water seeps beneath the lake bed, drying up the lake; this is the image of Oppression. Observing this, the superior person encourages himself in times of hardship, becoming stronger through adversity, and sacrifices his life to carry out his long-cherished ambitions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No water in the lake, experiencing oppression and exhaustion; myriad things do not grow, cultivate virtue and quietly maintain one's position. Inauspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram fall into difficult straits, with nothing going as desired. It is advisable to resolutely adhere to the correct path and wait for the right opportunity.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Both status and reputation are constrained; it is better to accept one's fate.
• Wealth 财运: Wealth is depleted and the situation is precarious; it is better to return home.
• Household 家宅: Safety first; a sign of widowhood.
• Health 身体: Kidney water is already deficient; danger is imminent.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Oppressed and exhausted to this extent, one should accept one's fate.
• Warfare 战征: This is a critical time of an isolated city under siege; one can only strive for survival, with no regard for life or death.
• Fame & Career 功名: If fame is achieved, the body is hard to preserve; if the body survives, fame is likely ruined. One must handle oneself wisely.
• Business 营商: Capital is exhausted and the current state of affairs is precarious. The line implies going forward is inauspicious while returning brings good fortune; it is better to return, thereby avoiding oppression.
• Marriage 婚姻: The *Tuan Zhuan* (Decision Commentary) says, 'The firm is obscured.' The man is destined to die young, and the woman is destined to be widowed. If the positions are changed to Jie (Limitation), the woman will certainly preserve her chastity and gain a good name.
• Household 家宅: There is a dried-up well in the residence; beware of loss of life.
• Litigation 讼事: Not only can the lawsuit not be vindicated, but one must also guard against loss of life due to the litigation.
• Travelers 行人: The traveler suffers unbearable hardships abroad, and there is a danger to their life.
• Illness 疾病: Kidney water is deficient and weak; the symptoms are already critical.
• Lost Items 失物: It has fallen to the bottom of a deep pool and cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Dui above). Dui is Yin, representing the Lake, signifying joy; Kan is Yang, representing Water, signifying danger. Lake over Water is Oppression. Falling into adversity, it is difficult to display one's talents; yet by resolutely maintaining the correct path and remaining content in oneself, one will surely achieve success and break free from the predicament.

• Overall Image 大象: Water lies beneath the lake, and myriad things do not grow; this symbolizes the superior person in oppression and poverty, while the petty people are overflowing.
• Fortune 运势: Everything goes against one's wishes—the saying 'a dragon in shallow water is teased by shrimps' applies.
• Career 事业: The situation is very poor, and great difficulties are encountered. Life faces a massive trial. If improper means are adopted, one will only sink deeper. Conversely, if one falls into adversity but maintains their integrity, encouraging and strengthening oneself, remaining composed without losing their will, success will eventually be achieved.
• Business 经商: Facing fierce competition, bankruptcy is highly possible. Do not despair, but rather strive within adversity. To do this, one must rely on daily self-cultivation, seriously reflect on one's behavior, summarize lessons, and rise again. However, one should not be impetuous but proceed slowly. At the same time, be even more vigilant against falling into new predicaments due to getting carried away by wealth and success.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Haste makes waste. One should proceed slowly with a humble attitude, and especially maintain a firm resolve; only with determination can the success of one's career be facilitated.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Handle it calmly with an optimistic attitude, paying special attention to personal character.
• Decision 决策: Intelligent and wise, yet unrecognized and unable to find opportunities. If one does not lose confidence due to adversity, persists in striving upward, abandons wishful thinking, and perseveres, although their ideals may not be fully realized, they will ultimately achieve something.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject with bare buttocks straitened under the stump of a tree. He enters a dark valley, and for three years has no prospect (of deliverance).

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: The buttocks are wounded by the jailer's rod, and one is cast into a dark dungeon, not seen for three years. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Entering a deep valley, it is naturally dark and obscure.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line will face alarm and anxiety, or the misfortune of wearing mourning garments. Officials will resign from office.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gradually entering adversity, it will take three years to turn around.
• Wealth 财运: Timber business; transport is difficult.
• Household 家宅: Few visitors; the groom's family is of humble status.
• Health 身体: A sign of extreme misfortune.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Misfortune has just arrived, gradually entering a bitter situation; after three years, one can expect smooth circumstances.
• Warfare 战征: The army is trapped in a dangerous place, like Sima Yi's army entering Gourd Valley.
• Business 营商: This refers to the timber transport business; the wood is in a deep valley, hindered in shipping.
• Fame & Career 功名: A sign of low status; fame will certainly not be prominent.
• Household 家宅: The house is in the deep mountains, where human tracks are rare; suitable for a recluse.
• Illness 疾病: 'Tree stump' and 'deep valley' represent the image of a coffin and burial mound; inauspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The groom's family is of humble status; there may be a lament of marrying the wrong person.
• Travelers 行人: The traveler can return after three years.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tui Hexagram. Prevalence. An auspicious divination. The Great Image says: This hexagram consists of two Tui trigrams stacked together, and Tui represents a lake; two lakes connected, their waters mingling and flowing together, is the image of Tui. Reflecting on this image, the superior man joins with friends for discussion and practice, and expands his knowledge.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The lake moistens all things, bringing double joy; harmony and happiness among peers, while firmly maintaining the correct path. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have many celebratory events and harmonious relationships, but they must firmly adhere to the correct path, otherwise disaster will strike.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigram (Lake below, Lake above). The lake represents water. Two lakes connected, two waters mingling, the upper and lower in harmony, united as one, with mutual help from friends, bringing joy and happiness. Tui means pleasure. Both sharing the virtue of strength and firmness inside, while presenting a gentle and yielding posture outside, firmly walking the correct path, and guiding the people upward.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject straitened amidst his wine and viands. There come to him anon the red knee-covers (of the ruler). It will be well for him (to maintain his sincerity as) in sacrificing. Active operations (on his part) will lead to evil, but he will be free from blame.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: Still drunk before sobering up, barbarians clad in red invade, and anxiety arrives suddenly; it is advisable to hastily offer sacrifices to the spirits for protection. As for inquiring about a military expedition, there is danger. Other matters bear no major misfortune. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Still drunk before sobering up, the Heavens bestow the robes of high officials, because the Nine Two line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, which is a sign of impending joyful events.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: Those who obtain this line will be assisted by noble patrons and profit from their endeavors. Stillness brings good fortune, action brings misfortune. Officials have opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Having both fame and wealth, but instead being utilized.
• Wealth 财运: Building wealth from commerce; proceeding forward brings misfortune.
• Household 家宅: Offering sacrifices in wealth and honor; the marriage will be completed immediately.
• Health 身体: Immoderate in food and drink; gather one's thoughts and pray.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The line indicates wealth and honor; the fortune is not bad, but it is a pity that one does not know temperance and is instead trapped by wealth and honor.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of neglecting duties due to wine and food, leading to defeat; the general is trapped and suffers the humiliation of being stripped of his scarlet robe.
• Business 营商: Building wealth from commerce, with fine food and embroidered silk, sufficient for honor and prosperity; but proceeding further will bring misfortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fame and merit are already prominent, but there is fear of being trapped by them.
• Illness 疾病: It is due to excessive pleasure, drinking and eating immoderately. It is advisable to pray.
• Household 家宅: It is a wealthy household, but the protective spirits of the residence are restless; it is advisable to devoutly offer sacrifices. No blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: The betrothal gifts are newly prepared, and the bridal gifts are just arriving; once spoken of, it will be completed immediately.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ts'ui (Gathering Together). Prosperity. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is advantageous to see the great man, leading to success; this is a favorable and correct omen. Offering great sacrificial animals (oxen) is auspicious, and having a destination to go to is advantageous. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, Dui is the Lake; the lower trigram is Kun, Kun is the Earth. The lake water overflowing onto the earth is the image of Ts'ui. The gentleman, observing this image, takes warning from the overflowing floods and gathering disasters, thereby repairing weapons to guard against unexpected rebellions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Abundant resources and rich gathering; guided and assisted by nobility, everything is favorable. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram enjoy excellent fortune, receive help from benefactors, reap abundant profits, and succeed in all endeavors.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Kun below, Dui above). Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and water. The lake overflows and submerges the earth, and with many people contending, crises will lurk everywhere. One must obey Heaven and employ the worthy, prepare for a rainy day, remain gentle yet cheerful, bring out the best in one another, and live and work in peace. Ts'ui means gathering and unity.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject straitened before a (frowning) rock. He lays hold of thorns. He enters his palace, and does not see his wife. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Three: Tripped by stones, wounded by thorns, returning home after hardships only to find the wife gone; this is a sign of danger and misfortune. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Tripped by stones, wounded by thorns; the reason for repeatedly encountering hardships is that the Six Three Yin line sits above the Nine Two Yang line, like a weak person clinging to a violent one, bound to be coerced and bullied. Returning home and the wife is gone; this is an inauspicious sign.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inausicous: Those who obtain this line are in a time of many hardships; it is advisable to remain upright and cautious.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Unable to advance or retreat; one's body will not be preserved.
• Wealth 财运: Wealth gone and life force weak; the outcome is worrisome.
• Household 家宅: A house of mourning.
• Health 身体: Beyond cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fate is awkward, in a dilemma; inauspicious.
• Warfare 战征: With arrows and stones deployed above and traps set below, advancing puts the body in great danger, while retreating means already being trapped. An image of great misfortune.
• Officialdom 仕途: When the body cannot even be preserved, of what use is fame?
• Business 营商: In divination rules, the wife represents the wealth line, and the palace represents the life palace. Losing both life and wealth is of great misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: The *Xici* (Appended Judgments) says 'the time of death is approaching,' indicating that the illness is incurable.
• Marriage 婚姻: Beware of the grief of mourning a spouse.
• Lost Items 失物: Cannot be found.
• Litigation 讼事: Will surely dissolve.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwo suggests to us a beam that is weak. There will be advantage in moving (under its conditions) in any direction whatever; there will be success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great). The ridgepole sags under the weight. There is advantage in having a direction to go, and progress. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing a lake; the lower trigram is Xun, representing wood. With Dui above and Xun below, the lake waters submerge the wooden vessel; this is the image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior man, observing this image, takes warning that a heavy vessel will capsize; realizing that when encountering disaster and change, one should maintain integrity without yielding, remain securely in retirement without seeking office, and keep oneself quiet, detached, and content.

Shao Yong's Commentary

With abundant Yang and scarce Yin, the situation is on the verge of collapsing; both root and branch are weak, so one must act according to one's capability. Misfortune: Those who get this hexagram will experience restlessness of body and mind, things going against their wishes, yet they force their way forward, leading to times of great regret. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Dui above). Dui represents the lake and joy; Xun represents wood and obedience. The waters of the lake submerge the boat, resulting in a great mistake. The Yin and Yang lines are unbalanced, with Yang being large and Yin being small. It indicates extraordinary action and a state of excess, strong within and gentle without.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided shows its subject proceeding very slowly (to help the subject of the first line), who is straitened by the carriage adorned with metal in front of him. There will be occasion for regret, but the end will be good.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: He arrives slowly, confined in a carriage. How unfortunate, yet in the end he is released. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Walking slowly and not seeking swift progress is a sign of humble ambitions. The Nine Four line is below Nine Five, like someone willing to occupy a lower position; because of a humble attitude, they can instead receive help from others.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line will find planning matters unfavorable, but will eventually escape danger. Merchants may face cash flow issues. Idle officials will be reinstated.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Occupying an inappropriate position; despised by others.
• Wealth 财运: Goods are lost; urgent rescue can preserve them.
• Household 家宅: Move in slowly; matters can succeed if delayed.
• Health 身体: Prolonged exhaustion; fear of passing away.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is not bad, but due to an inappropriate position, it causes much suspicion and fear, inevitably leading to being despised by others.
• Warfare 战征: Slowing down and not advancing, causing the carriage tracks to fall into disarray; fortunately, rescue arrives, so that it does not end in complete defeat.
• Business 营商: Ineffective execution leads to the cargo being stranded midway; urgent rescue preserves it.
• Officialdom 仕途: Oppressed at first, prosperous in the end.
• Household 家宅: The position is inappropriate, causing separation and division so they cannot unite; it is better to wait and proceed slowly.
• Marriage 婚姻: Can be completed slowly.
• Illness 疾病: The progress of the illness is slow and has lasted for more than a day, likely caused by exhaustion from rushing about. The line says 'there is an end,' indicating that life is ending forever.
• Lost Items 失物: Likely left behind in a vehicle; search and it can be found.
• Litigation 讼事: Delayed for a long time; only now can it be dismissed.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is. penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Repeated K'an Hexagram. Capture captives, console and pacify them, leading to success. On the way, one will receive assistance. The Image says: K'an represents water flowing continuously without stagnation, which is the image of the K'an Hexagram. The gentleman observes this image, thereby esteeming virtuous conduct, taking example from the continuous flow of water, and learning the methods of teaching and educating the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties and dangers, repeated perils and entrapments; many obstacles in affairs, proceed with caution. Misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face poor luck, numerous difficulties and dangers, and many blocked affairs; it is advisable to be cautious in speech and actions, retreat, and maintain safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (K'an below, K'an above). K'an represents water and danger. With two K'an stacked, it is danger upon danger, with numerous obstacles. One Yang is trapped between two Yins. Fortunately, Yin is empty and Yang is solid; sincerity and truthfulness can breakthrough and connect. Although dangers and difficulties are numerous, they serve to reveal the brilliance of human nature.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject with his nose and feet cut off. He is straitened by (his ministers in their) scarlet aprons. He is leisurely in his movements, however, and is satisfied. It will be well for him to be (as sincere) as in sacrificing (to spiritual beings).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: Nose cut off and feet amputated, captured by scarlet-clad barbarians. Later, slowly finding an opportunity to escape, finally returning home. It is advisable to hastily offer sacrifices to thank the spirits. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Nose cut off and feet amputated indicates that the person is frustrated and in dangerous straits. Later, slowly escaping danger, because the Nine Five line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, like a person standing upright, naturally able to turn danger into safety. It is advisable to offer sacrifices to the spirits, for the line's image indicates: praying for the protection of spirits and receiving their blessings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line will face difficulties first, followed by ease. Unscrupulous individuals will have the disturbance of lawsuits and punishments, and the grief of mourning. Officials will face obstacles first, followed by smooth progress.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Extreme rigidity will surely break; be cautious to avoid disaster.
• Wealth 财运: Clear the inventory and sell slowly.
• Household 家宅: Afflictions of the nose and feet; suspicion at first, completed later.
• Health 身体: Diseases of the head and feet; recuperate and pray.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Destiny is rigid and strong, and rigidity must break; guard against injuries. It is advisable to plan matters slowly and deliberately, so as to turn misfortune into good fortune.
• Business 营商: Guard against rotting and damage on the bottom and inside of the goods; one must unpack and organize them, selling them slowly. No blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Guard against punishments and injuries after obtaining wealth and honor; it is advisable to pray.
• Warfare 战征: Mainly indicates defeat; one must withdraw troops slowly to plan for future victory.
• Household 家宅: The family estate is fine, but the household members may suffer from nose sores and lameness; it is advisable to pray.
• Illness 疾病: The disease is in the head and feet; recuperate slowly and seek divine healing, then it can be cured.
• Marriage 婚姻: The spouse may have a physical disability; unsatisfactory at first, but turning out well in the end.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against the disaster of imprisonment; one must explain and clarify slowly to be excused.
• Travelers 行人: Facing disasters abroad; it is advisable to pray, and later one can return home in high spirits.
• Lost Items 失物: Surely damaged; can be found after a long time.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsieh (Deliverance) Hexagram. It is advantageous to move toward the southwest. But if there is no definite destination, it is better to return; returning is auspicious. If there is a definite destination, it is advisable to set out early; setting out early is auspicious. The Great Symbolism says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Chen, representing thunder; the lower trigram is K'an, representing rain. Thunder and rain work together, nourishing and developing all things, which is the image of Deliverance. The noble person views this hexagram, and thereby pardons mistakes and forgives criminals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties are dissolved and scattered; resolving hardships and settling disputes. Seize the opportunity and proceed early. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can free themselves from previous difficulties. It is advisable to seize good opportunities to plan endeavors; it is even better for those going abroad to seek undertakings.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (K'an below and Chen above). Chen is thunder and movement; K'an is water and danger. Danger is within, movement is without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and blocked; at the extreme of stillness, movement begins. All things are renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, and all things are dissolved—this is Hsieh (Deliverance).

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, divided, shows its subject straitened, as if bound with creepers; or n a high and dangerous position, and saying (to himself), 'If I move, I shall repent it.' If he do repent of former errors, there will be good fortune in his going forward.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: Tripped by creeping vines, wounded by small wooden pegs, the situation is so difficult that it is not advisable to take action; otherwise, regret will follow regret. As for inquiring about a military expedition, it is auspicious. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: Tripped by creeping vines, because one's actions are inappropriate. Realizing that action brings regret, one will surely act with humility and caution, thereby encountering good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: Those who obtain this line should guard against alarm, anxiety, and mourning; only merchants and travelers find it advantageous to have somewhere to go. Officials will face worries of punishment and restraint.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Bad luck is about to end; gather one's thoughts and work hard.
• Wealth 财运: Long-held goods can be sold, and only then can profit be made.
• Household 家宅: Renovate the old house; clear up entanglements.
• Health 身体: Restless mind; relocate to recuperate in peace.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the bitter fortune has ended, and one could have escaped hardship; however, because of a restless mind, one fails to immediately change plans. Once there is repentance, good fortune can be obtained.
• Fame & Career 功名: Having been oppressed and impoverished for a long time, the winds and clouds are about to change, and one will become famous overnight. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: 'Oppressed by creeping vines' surely means that goods are packed and wrapped, unable to be sold for a long time; now that the market price is rising, profit can be made immediately. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: The line says 'the expedition is auspicious,' and the *Xiang* says 'auspicious to go.' Although there may be disaster and regret, one will surely obtain good fortune because of repentance.
• Illness 疾病: This illness must have lingered for a long time, causing mental restlessness; one should relocate to recuperate in peace, and it will naturally heal.
• Household 家宅: This house is already old, overgrown with vines and creepers, and the pillars are tilting; it is advisable to start renovation work, which is auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Beware of uncleared entanglements within; see how the dynamics develop, and once action is taken, it can be accomplished. Auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: The entanglement is endless, causing much anxiety and instability; one must wait for a final judgment before peace can be achieved.
• Travelers 行人: Temporarily entangled in matters, making it difficult to return.
• Lost Items 失物: Wrapped and hidden by other things; invisible, but can be found after moving things around.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sung (Conflict). Although there is profit to be made (capturing prisoners), one must remain vigilant and cautious. The matter is auspicious in the middle, but dangerous in the end. Divining this, it is favorable to see great men, but unfavorable to cross the great river. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: The upper trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Kan, representing Water. Heaven and water move in opposite directions, going their separate ways, which is contrary to reason. This is the image of Sung. Reflecting on this image, the superior man takes heed to prevent conflict, being extremely cautious at the very beginning of planning any enterprise.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Heaven is high and water is deep, reaching far but not in intimacy. Be cautious in planning and retreat to defend; with respect and awe, there will be no misfortune. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are unsettled, things are mostly unfavorable, and there are many disputes and lawsuits with others. It is advisable to cultivate character, nurture nature, and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Qian above). It is the opposite of the Hsü (Waiting) hexagram, making them reciprocal 'Zong' hexagrams. Qian represents strength and vigor, while Kan represents danger and entrapment. Strength and danger, vigor and danger, oppose each other, inevitably generating conflict. Conflict is not a good thing; one must be prudent and cautious.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.