坎
KǎnUpper: Water · 坎 · Lower: Water · 坎
Judgment习坎，有孚，维心亨。行有尚。
In plain wordsRepeated pits: if one holds to sincerity, the heart stays open, and going forward is honored. In a chain of dangers, keeping faith and an unobstructed heart gets you through.
The imageWater above, water below: water arrives again and again, danger upon danger; though water sinks into pits, it never stops flowing.
A hint for youWhen difficulties pile up, steady your mind and principles first and take one step at a time. Do not lose your composure out of fear; sincerity and persistence are strength in themselves.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六习坎，入于坎窞，凶。The first line, divided, shows its subject in the double defile, and (yet) entering a cavern within it. There will be evil.
- 九二坎有险，求小得。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.
- 六三来之坎坎，险且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。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).
- 六四尊酒簋，贰用缶。内约自牖，终无咎。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.
- 九五坎不盈，禔既平，无咎。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.
- 上六系用徽纆，寘于丛棘，三岁不得，凶。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.
Danger; stay true and keep moving
For entertainment and self-reflection only