Hexagram 47: Kun

Judgment

亨，貞大人吉，无咎，有言不信。

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.

Even in exhaustion there is a way through for a person of firm character, who stays steady and is free of fault. Speeches are not believed at such a time.

Image

澤无水，困；君子以致命遂志。

(The trigram representing) a marsh, and (below it that for a defile, which has drained the other dry so that there is) no water in it, form Khwăn. The superior man, in accordance with this, will sacrifice his life in order to carry out his purpose.

Line 1 · 初六

臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三歲不覿。

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).

You are stuck at the foot of a bare stump and slip into a dark valley where you see no one for three years.

Line 2 · 九二

困于酒食，朱紱方來，利用亨祀，征凶，无咎。

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.

Even amid wine and food you feel hemmed in, and a summons from a high-ranking person is about to arrive. Sincere devotion is the right posture, since rushing out brings trouble.

Line 3 · 六三

困于石，據于蒺蔾，入于其宮，不見其妻，凶。

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.

A rock blocks you in front and thorns scratch your hands, and when you get home no one is there to meet you. The reading is unfavorable.

Line 4 · 九四

來荼荼，困于金轝，吝，有終。

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.

A grand carriage in the way holds you up as you move slowly toward someone who needs you. That brings some regret but it ends well.

Line 5 · 九五

劓刖，困于赤紱，乃徐有說，利用祭祀。

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).

Powerful people in red robes hem you in and cut you down. Relief comes slowly, and sincere devotion, as in a sacrifice, is what helps.

Line 6 · 上六

困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰動悔。有悔，征吉。

The sixth line, divided, shows its subject straitened, as if bound with creepers; or in 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.

You are tangled in creepers on a shaky height and tell yourself that any move will bring regret. If you honestly regret what led here and then act, going forward is favorable.