Hexagram 47. K'un / Oppression (Exhaustion)

Upper trigram: Tui The Joyous, Lake

Lower trigram: K'an The Abysmal, Water

The Judgement

Oppression. Success. Perseverance.
The great man brings about good fortune.
No blame.
When one has something to say,
It is not believed.

The Image

There is no water in the lake:
The image of Exhaustion.
Thus the superior man stakes his life
On following his will.

The Lines

These texts apply only for the lines that were marked, when the hexagram was cast. Note that the lines are counted from the bottom up.

The bottom line marked means:

One sits oppressed under a bare tree
And strays into a gloomy valley.
For three years one sees nothing.

The 2nd line marked means:

One is oppressed while at meat and drink.
The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming.
It furthers one to offer sacrifice.
To set forth brings misfortune.
No blame.

The 3rd line marked means:

A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,
And leans on thorns and thistles.
He enters his house and does not see his wife.
Misfortune.

The 4th line marked means:

He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage.
Humiliation, but the end is reached.

The 5th line marked means:

His nose and feet are cut off.
Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands.
Joy comes softly.
It furthers one to make offerings and libations.

The top line marked means:

He is oppressed by creeping vines.
He moves uncertainly and says, "Movement brings remorse."
If one feels remorse over this and makes a start,
Good fortune comes.


Texts from Richard Wilhelm's version of the I CHING.