井
JǐngUpper: Water · 坎 · Lower: Wind · 巽
Judgment改邑不改井，无丧无得，往来井井。汔至亦未繘井。羸其瓶，凶。
In plain wordsA town may be moved but a well cannot; it neither loses nor gains, and people come and go drawing from it. If the drawing is almost done but the jar breaks before the water is brought up, there is misfortune. Be steady in virtue and finish what you begin.
The imageWater above, wood below: a bucket goes down into the water and draws it up, and a well nourishes people without running dry.
A hint for youOffering steady value to others is lasting merit. Carry things through to the last step, and do not be careless at the final stretch.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六井泥不食，旧井无禽。The first line, divided, shows a well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds (nor other creatures) resort.
- 九二井谷射鲋，瓮敝漏。The second line, undivided, shows a well from which by a hole the water escapes and flows away to the shrimps (and such small creatures among the grass), or one the water of which leaks away from a broken basket.
- 九三井渫不食，为我心恻，可用汲，王明，并受其福。The third line, undivided, shows a well, which has been cleared out, but is not used. Our hearts are sorry for this, for the water might be drawn out and used. If the king were (only) intelligent, both he and we might receive the benefit of it.
- 六四井甃，无咎。The fourth line, divided, shows a well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.
- 九五井冽，寒泉食。The fifth line, undivided, shows a clear, limpid well, (the waters from) whose cold spring are (freely) drunk.
- 上六井收勿幕，有孚元吉。The topmost line, divided, shows (the water from) the well brought to the top, which is not allowed to be covered. This suggests the idea of sincerity. There will be great good fortune.
The well; a steady source to draw on
For entertainment and self-reflection only