困
KùnUpper: Marsh · 兑 · Lower: Water · 坎
Judgment亨，贞大人吉，无咎，有言不信。
In plain wordsSuccess; for a great person staying on the right course is fortunate and without fault, but what is said is not believed. When in hardship, saying more does no good; what matters is an upright heart and consistent conduct.
The imageLake above, water below: the lake's water drains downward and leaves it dry; a picture of exhaustion and hardship.
A hint for youIn hard times complain and defend yourself less, and put your energy into keeping well and doing what is within reach. Real trust is proven by time.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三岁不觌。The first line, divided, shows its subject with bare buttocks straitened under the stump of a tree. He enters a dark valley, and for three years has no prospect (of deliverance).
- 九二困于酒食，朱绂方来，利用亨祀，征凶，无咎。The second line, undivided, shows its subject straitened amidst his wine and viands. There come to him anon the red knee-covers (of the ruler). It will be well for him (to maintain his sincerity as) in sacrificing. Active operations (on his part) will lead to evil, but he will be free from blame.
- 六三困于石，据于蒺蔾，入于其宫，不见其妻，凶。The third line, divided, shows its subject straitened before a (frowning) rock. He lays hold of thorns. He enters his palace, and does not see his wife. There will be evil.
- 九四来荼荼，困于金轝，吝，有终。The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject proceeding very slowly (to help the subject of the first line), who is straitened by the carriage adorned with metal in front of him. There will be occasion for regret, but the end will be good.
- 九五劓刖，困于赤绂，乃徐有说，利用祭祀。The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject with his nose and feet cut off. He is straitened by (his ministers in their) scarlet aprons. He is leisurely in his movements, however, and is satisfied. It will be well for him to be (as sincere) as in sacrificing (to spiritual beings).
- 上六困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰动悔。有悔，征吉。The sixth line, divided, shows its subject straitened, as if bound with creepers; or in a high and dangerous position, and saying (to himself), 'If I move, I shall repent it.' If he do repent of former errors, there will be good fortune in his going forward.
Exhaustion; hold firm inside
For entertainment and self-reflection only