Hexagram 2
坤 Kūn · Receptive ground
Legge: Khwan
☷ Earth (Kūn) above ☷ Earth (Kūn)
Scryway summary
Modern commentary written for Scryway. Not part of the classic text.
Supporting, following and making room. Strength here lies in steadiness and in letting things grow.
The judgment
Khwan (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.
The image
The (capacity and sustaining) power of the earth is what is denoted by Khwan. The superior man, in accordance with this, with his large virtue supports (men and) things.
The lines, bottom to top
- Bottom line, broken
In the first line, divided, (we see its subject) treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come (by and by).
- Second line, broken
The second line, divided, (shows the attribute of) being straight, square, and great. (Its operation), without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous.
- Third line, broken
The third line, divided, (shows its subject) keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it. If he should have occasion to engage in the king's service, though he will not claim the success (for himself), he will bring affairs to a good issue.
- Fourth line, broken
The fourth line, divided, (shows the symbol of) a sack tied up. There will be no ground for blame or for praise.
- Fifth line, broken
The fifth line, divided, (shows) the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.
- Top line, broken
The sixth line, divided, (shows) dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.
(The lines of this hexagram are all weak and divided, as appears from) the use of the number six. If those (who are thus represented) be perpetually correct and firm, advantage will arise.
Quoted from James Legge (trans.), The Yi King, Sacred Books of the East vol. XVI, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1882. Public domain. The image is from Legge’s Appendix II. Words in parentheses are Legge’s additions.