I Ching · No.29 · K'an / The Abysmal (Water)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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

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.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gradual promotion, guard against trouble at all times.
• Wealth 财运: Wealth flows like water, business fortune is prosperous.
• Household 家宅: Neighbors are building; family ties are doubled by marriage.
• Health 身体: Diarrhea or water-related ailment; pray with a sincere heart.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: There is a tendency of frequent enemy incursions; one should be prepared at all times.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is a sign of gradual rise and promotion.
• Business 营商: Wealth flows like water, coming continuously, which can last long and grow large; business fortune is prosperous.
• Household 家宅: To the north outside this residence, there must be a pit or depression with a continuously flowing spring. The K'an sign corresponds to the Zi branch, and above it aligns with the Xu (Emptiness) and Wei (Danger) mansions. Wei rules roofing houses, so there is concern that neighbors may be building.
• Illness 疾病: Beware of diarrhea, which may persist uncured. It is advisable to pray, adopting the meaning of 'a cup of wine and two bowls of grain'.
• Marriage 婚嫁: It must be a double marriage connection (family ties doubled), showing a sign of repeated marital alliances.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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.

• Overall Image 大象: Two waters stacked; K'an water represents danger. Moving forward is dangerous, and retreating is also dangerous; caught in a dilemma.
• Fortune 运势: Crises abound. One should respond calmly, keep an optimistic state of mind, and avoid arguing with others in all matters.
• Career 事业: Trapped in multiple difficulties and dangers, with perilous situations arising constantly. One must neither take reckless risks nor wait for death with tied hands; instead, adopt a proactive attitude, strive to create opportunities, change the situation, and turn danger into safety. It is essential to be sincere and full of confidence, avoid seeking easy ways out, and not shrink from hardships. One should observe quietly and wait for changes, use wisdom to break through the danger, and turn crisis into peace.
• Business 经商: Highly unfavorable, even facing the verge of bankruptcy. However, one's mind should remain calm and steady, keeping a cool head. Although physically in danger, the mind should not be trapped. Do not act rashly; first seek self-preservation to observe changes, and seize the right moment to escape danger.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Not understood by others, unrecognized talent. Do not give up on oneself. Keep the original intention, remain calm and collected, and proceed step by step; eventually, one will be understood and recognized.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Encountering many adversities. One should calmly analyze the reasons and actively improve one's own conditions. Both parties should stick together through thick and thin to overcome the difficulties.
• Decision 决策: Unfortunate. However, it is a test before luck turns around. As long as one does not lose composure due to adversity, avoids seeking easy ways out, maintains confidence, and does not fall into dangerous situations, remaining calm, refraining from rash actions, and perceiving the right opportunities, one will surely turn danger into safety and succeed in escaping peril.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject in the double defile, and (yet) entering a cavern within it. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Pit within a pit, falling into repeated pits; misfortune. The Image says: 'Pit within a pit, falling into repeated pits' shows that failing to walk the smooth path and insisting on taking the dangerous route will surely bring disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line face unfavorable luck and should guard against falling into traps and disasters. Officials must beware of petty people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Seeking fame by chance, only to suffer loss instead.
• Wealth 财运: Sales fail, goods or capital go out with no return.
• Household 家宅: An unsettled residence; be cautious in marriage.
• Health 身体: Improper medical treatment, the situation is critical.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Attempting to design an ambush, but falling into the enemy's trap instead; a path of misfortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: Seeking fame by chance, only to bring humiliation upon oneself; useless and harmful.
• Business 营商: Failing in selling goods and shifting them to another place; when the goods arrive, the market is even smaller and cannot be sold off.
• Illness 疾病: Seeking medical treatment for illness, but the doctor errs in their method; the illness becomes more critical.
• Marriage 婚姻: Fear of falling into a scam; it is certainly not a formal, proper marriage.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Guard against difficulty in childbirth.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Chieh (Limitation). Success. If one finds limitation painful, its good or bad fortune cannot be divined. The Image says: The lower trigram is Dui, which is the lake; the upper trigram is Kan, which is water. Water fills the lake, so one must build high dikes; this is the image of Chieh. The superior man, observing this image, establishes policy systems and confirms ethical principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Maintain self-control and moderation, stop at the right point; assess the timing and situation, know how to adapt. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is advisable to keep to one's place and avoid insatiable greed. Everything must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui is the lake, Kan is water. The lake contains water, but its flow is limited; if there is too much, it will overflow. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Chieh (Limitation). The Chieh hexagram is the opposite of the Huan hexagram; they are mutual inverse hexagrams, used in conjunction. Only when heaven and earth have measure can they remain ever-new; only when the state has regulation can it remain stable; only when the individual has self-control can they achieve perfection.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject in all the peril of the defile. He will, however, get a little (of the deliverance) that he seeks.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Pits and humps, the road is hazardous. Daring to walk the dangerous path, one may achieve small gains. The Image says: 'Daring to walk the dangerous path, one may achieve small gains' because the Nine in the second place occupies the middle position of the lower trigram, like a person who has not yet strayed from the correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will have small achievements. For a woman, she may become a concubine. If unfortunate, guard against dangers or developing internal blood and Qi illnesses. Officials will have small accomplishments, but major affairs will fail.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Small attempts are favorable, do not aim for large things.
• Wealth 财运: Manage cautiously, small profits can be obtained.
• Household 家宅: Guard against the collapse of riverbanks.
• Health 身体: Treatment is effective, but difficult to cure completely.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: One can secretly dig tunnels to attack the enemy camp; although not a grand victory, there will surely be a small success.
• Business 营商: Small profits can be sought.
• Fame & Career 功名: Small attempts will surely succeed.
• Household 家宅: Outside the residence, the riverbank may collapse; it should be repaired and reinforced.
• Illness 疾病: It must be an illness such as skin ulcers. Inviting a doctor to treat it will yield minor results, but complete recovery is hard to expect.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Obtaining a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination, whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error. Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Pi (Holding Together). Auspicious. Consult the oracle again; it remains highly auspicious and favorable. Inquiring about long-term fortunes, there will be no misfortune. States that are reluctant to submit come to pay court; those who arrive late will face trouble. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: The lower trigram is Kun (Earth), and the upper trigram is Kan (Water). Kun represents earth, and Kan represents water, resembling water on the earth; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking the principle of water adhering to the earth and the earth receiving rivers and seas, to establish and enfeoff various states and maintain close relations with the feudal lords.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Water flows on the earth, uniting in close harmony and joy; human relations are close and cooperative, and all matters are free from worry. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can gain the help of friends and the strength of the multitude, succeeding in their undertakings and reaching the pinnacle of honor and prominence.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Kun, upper Kan). Kun is Earth and Kan is Water. Water adheres to the great earth, and the earth receives rivers and seas, relying on each other in close intimacy. This hexagram is the exact opposite of the Shi (Army) hexagram, being its inverted hexagram. It expounds the principles of mutual affection and support, magnanimity and selflessness, and sincere unity.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject, whether he comes or goes ( =descends or ascends), confronted by a defile. All is peril to him and unrest. (His endeavours) will lead him into the cavern of the pit. There should be no action (in such a case).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Coming to a pit, which is both dangerous and deep, falling into repeated pits; highly unfavorable. The Image says: Coming to this place of many pits, in the end there is no success or benefit.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line face many hardships and frequent disputes and lawsuits. Officials should retreat and guard their positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Maintain composure in poverty and wait for the future.
• Wealth 财运: Navigation is blocked, temporarily preserve what exists.
• Household 家宅: Fill in the pits and depressions; marriage proposal fails.
• Health 身体: Should not overwork.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The image shows the camp surrounded on all sides by dangerous pits, caught in a dilemma. It is advisable to rest with weapons ready and wait for reinforcements.
• Business 营商: Observing the line image, it relates to shipping business; the boat's journey is blocked, so it is advisable to enter a harbor and temporarily stay put.
• Fame & Career 功名: Observing the image, it is a time of all kinds of adversity, a period of starving the body and tiring the skin; currently there is no success, but achievement in later years can be expected.
• Household 家宅: The water layout of this residence is chaotic, with much ominous killing intent. There is a deep pit to the north of the house, which should be filled immediately.
• Marriage 婚嫁: K'an represents male, which means the groom's family seeks marriage. The line says 'do not use,' so it will surely fail.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Looking at) Ȝing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Well Hexagram. Rebuilding the town but not rebuilding the well amounts to doing nothing. People come and go to draw water from the well. If the well becomes dry and silted up, and instead of cleaning it, one breaks the water pitcher, this is an image of danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Kan, and Kan is water. Water seeps down and trees grow: this is the image of The Well. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on the well water that nourishes people, thereby encouraging the people to be industrious and to exhort one another.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Still water connects to the source, and fortune is calm; do not change what you guard, and maintain the status quo. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should cultivate their character and nourish their nature, let things take their natural course, and face them with composure. Stillness brings benefit, while movement brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Xun below and Kan above) superimposed. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees obtain water and grow vigorously. People rely on the well for life, and the well is dug by people. They nourish each other; the well nourishes people with water, never running dry. People should adopt this virtue to be industrious and self-encouraging.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject (at a feast), with (simply) a bottle of spirits, and a subsidiary basket of rice, while (the cups and bowls) are (only) of earthenware. He introduces his important lessons (as his ruler's) intelligence admits. There will in the end be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: A jug of wine, a bowl of food. However, for a prisoner confined in the pit cell, an earthen bowl is sufficient. The prison food is handed in and out through the skylight. Though the person encounters this misfortune, in the end there is no danger. The Image says: 'Usually enjoying fine food and vessels, now eating prison food from an earthen bowl' shows that the Yin line Six in the fourth place is below the Yang line Nine in the fifth place, like being oppressed by the strong and undergoing such tribulation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will have many happy events, or the joy of marriage. Officials will enjoy many banquets and food.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Basking in success, joyfully banqueting distinguished guests.
• Wealth 财运: The wine-making business is quite smooth.
• Household 家宅: Run the household frugally; auspicious marriage.
• Health 身体: It is best to pray.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: In military operations, provisions and funds are crucial; the so-called adequate army starts with adequate food. 'Introduced through the window' means a window is not the normal place for receiving food, which metaphorically implies transporting supplies secretly to prevent enemy plundering.
• Business 营商: K'an represents wine, suggesting a wine-making business.
• Fame & Career 功名: Presumably basking in success and feasting guests, which is worthy of congratulations.
• Illness 疾病: Praying is advisable.
• Marriage 婚姻: Auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (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.

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.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows the water of the defile not yet full, (so that it might flow away); but order will (soon) be brought about. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: The pit is not filled, but the small hill is leveled. No disaster. The Image says: Although the small hill is leveled, the pit is not yet filled, showing that the path is uneven and has not become a smooth road.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line face an ordinary situation and should build up their strength. Officials face no dangers, and their positions are secure.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not be arrogant; fame and achievements are limited.
• Wealth 财运: Do not focus on immediate profits; consider the long term.
• Household 家宅: The scenery is pleasing; well-matched in social status.
• Health 身体: Calm the mind and regulate the breath.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: As a general, the greatest mistake is to be arrogant about one's achievements, causing discontent among the soldiers, which is a path to defeat; even if Sun Tzu or Wu Qi were reborn, they could not succeed.
• Business 营商: Do not covet temporary, unexpected gains; instead, weigh price levels to plan for the long term, which is the mark of a skilled merchant.
• Fame & Career 功名: The reputation and position are not great.
• Fortune 时运: Humility reaps benefits, while pride invites loss; this is a maxim to chant throughout one's life.
• Household 家宅: Outside the house there is a small plot of land with shallow, clear water, and a flat slope with quite pleasant scenery; no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Both families are of matching social status; auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shih (The Army) Hexagram. Divination about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no disaster. The Image says: The lower trigram is Kan, and Kan is water; the upper trigram is Kun, and Kun is earth, resembling 'water in the midst of the earth'. This is the image of the Army Hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the earth that holds rivers, accommodating and nurturing the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Worrying and exhausting the masses, with infinite changes; fair and selfless, overcoming all difficulties. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face numerous difficulties, with worry and exhaustion for the masses. It is advisable to tolerate others, work hard, and eliminate all obstacles.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). 'Shih' refers to the army. Kan is water, danger; Kun is earth, obedience, implying quartering troops among the peasantry. Military actions are dangerous and war is risky; employing the army is a last resort for the sage. However, it can resolve conflicts smoothly without obstacles because it conforms to the situation and is launched for a just cause, thereby turning misfortune into good fortune.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject bound with cords of three strands or two strands, and placed in the thicket of thorns. But in three years he does not learn the course for him to pursue. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Binding the offender tightly with ropes, throwing them into a prison surrounded by thorns, not releasing them for three years; this is a dangerous matter. The Image says: What the line description of Six at the top portrays illustrates that officials have strayed from the correct path, unlawfully imprisoning someone for as long as three years.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line must guard against imprisonment. Officials must beware of losing their authority and power.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Unexpected disasters; beware of imprisonment.
• Wealth 财运: The textile business will achieve success in three years.
• Household 家宅: Renovate the home; a good marriage must wait for three years.
• Health 身体: Hard to move around; rest and recuperate peacefully.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Fear of exhausting the troops in a distant expedition, serving for a long time without returning.
• Business 营商: Presumably a silk procurement business; profits will only be realized after three years.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fear of unexpected disasters; not only will fame and position be out of reach, but there is also a risk of imprisonment; misfortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: The red thread binds the feet; marriage is predestined, but the good match has not arrived yet, and must wait for three years to be concluded.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Obtaining a son, but it will be delayed.
• Household 家宅: This residence is somehow dilapidated, with vines growing all over the walls. It should be renovated. Unfavorable for former occupants, but auspicious for subsequent ones.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hwân intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. The king goes to his ancestral temple; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Huan (Dispersion). Success. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is beneficial to cross the great river. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Kan, Kan is water. Wind moving over the water is the image of Dispersion. The ancient kings, observing this image, presented sacrifices to the Supreme Deity, established ancestral temples, and promoted the 'moral education' of honoring Heaven and filial piety toward ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Separation and dissolution, disasters disperse. Seize the opportunity to observe changes, nurture prestige, and build up strength. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, there may be difficulties at first, but in the end, the troubles will be resolved. If one is careful in all things, everything will go smoothly; avoid self-indulgence and lawlessness.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Xun above). The wind blows over the water, swelling the waves and spreading in all directions. Huan means the scattering of flowing water. It symbolizes the dispersion of organization and people's hearts. Proactive measures and methods must be taken to overcome and defeat evils, rescue the situation from dispersion, and turn danger into safety.

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.