Above; Earth the passive
Below; Earth the passive
Kun represents also
what is great penetrating, advantageous, correct, and
having the firmness of the Mare. The hexagram consists
entirely of Yin lines, feminine, yielding and shaded.
Kun brings supreme
success through steadfast acceptance. When the Superior
Man takes the initiative in action he will go astray.
He is much better to assist others. He is better to be
practical and sensible.
The creativity of Kun
is complete; all things owe their birth to it, and it
obediently accepts the influence of heaven, supporting,
and containing containing all things.
Kun denotes the great
capacity and sustaining power of the Earth. The Superior
Man therefore, employs his virtue in supporting all men
and all things.
Line 1
The Superior Man treads
only on hoarfrost. There is solid ice beneath.
Just as the Earth makes
ready for life in the spring, it makes ready for death
in the Autumn. The first appearance of frost heralds the
ice of Winter. In life, signs of decay and death make
their appearance. These warnings can be heeded. The wise
man finding that his steps take him out on newly frozen
water can retrace his steps and wait until the ice is
stronger.
Line 2
Straight, square,
great, line, plane, solid – purposelessness. The
work still goes on.
Creation moves in a
straight line, generating the first dimension; at right
angles it generates the plane defining the second dimension;
movement in the third dimension generates the cube; the
form the Chinese believed to be the shape of the Earth.
Allowing himself to be carried forward by the inexorable
progress of nature, the Superior Man proceeds towards
his destiny. The best action is non-action at this time.
Line 3
Although the line
is hidden, it persists. Who serves a King should do his
work and not seek fame.
The wise man happily
leaves fame to others. He does not try to impose his ideas
on others, but perseveres at his set tasks, confident
that true virtue will be recognized.
Line 4
A tightly tied sack.
No praise, but no reproach.
The sack keeps its
secrets but it is also a place of darkness and danger.
Great caution is necessary. Powerful antagonists should
not be challenged. Undeserved praise will turn to disadvantage.
The wise man keeps to himself, whether in solitude or
in the midst of the world’s turmoil. Keep a low
profile.
Line 5
A yellow undergarment.
Supreme good fortune.
Yellow is the colour
of the Earth and of the middle way. It symbolizes sincerity
and reliability. As an undergarment it is not shown off
ostentatiously. It is the sign of noble reserve. One in
a high but subordinate position should be discreet.
Line 6
Dragons fight in the
field. Their blood is black and yellow.
The black or dark blue
dragon signifies heaven. The yellow dragon signifies the
false inflation of the earth principal. When on attempts
to fight a way into a position higher than that to which
one is entitled, both sides suffer injury.
© 1979 Neil Powell
Back
To Top
Hexagram 3
Hexagram 1
Back to Consult Page
Back to Link Page
I Ching Mainpage
