The 47th Hexagram of the I Ching: Kùn (困) – The Hexagram of Oppression
Symbolism of Kùn (困):
Kùn (困) is formed by the combination of Kǎn (坎), representing water, in the lower position, and Duì (兑), representing marsh or lake, in the upper position. The imagery suggests water flowing from the marsh (Duì) into the danger-filled water (Kǎn), which gradually diminishes the flow. If the water continues to flow into the Eastern Sea, it diminishes further, leading to impoverishment. Alternatively, the two bodies of water could unite, intensifying their power and causing disaster, thus bringing hardship to the people of the world.
Interpretation from “Duàn Yì Tiān Jī” (断易天机):
The hexagram Kùn is formed by Duì above and Kǎn below, making it the first generation hexagram in the Duì Palace. This hexagram suggests that a gentleman may be oppressed by a petty person. The situation is concealed and difficult, but those with virtue will experience good fortune without fault. Words spoken may lack sincerity.
Interpretation from Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (邵雍):
This hexagram symbolizes a situation where the marsh above contains no water, and everything is stagnating. It represents a state of being trapped, with all things failing to grow. The advice is to cultivate virtue and maintain stillness in difficult times. For those who encounter this hexagram, it suggests a period of struggle and hardship. Things may not go as desired, but perseverance and maintaining the righteous path will eventually lead to success when the opportunity arises.
Interpretation from Taiwanese Confucian Scholar Fu Peirong (傅佩荣):
- Time & Fate: Both reputation and personal circumstances are in a state of stagnation. It is better to accept the situation than to force things.
- Wealth: Financial difficulties and a precarious situation suggest it’s better to retreat.
- Family & Home: Safety is paramount; this hexagram suggests a widow-like state, with no immediate support.
- Health: A deficiency in kidney energy (associated with water) may signal imminent danger.
Traditional Interpretation:
This hexagram is formed by the combination of Kǎn (坎) below and Duì (兑) above. Duì, symbolizing joy and gentleness, is below Kǎn, which represents danger and challenge. The image suggests that a person trapped in hardship finds it difficult to use their talents or wisdom. However, by adhering to righteousness and maintaining a calm and composed attitude, they will eventually overcome the challenges.
- Symbolism: Water flowing beneath the marsh, resulting in stagnation and lifelessness. This symbolizes a gentleman who is trapped by difficulty, while the petty person overflows with excess.
- Fortune: Things are not going as expected, akin to a dragon in shallow water being harassed by shrimp.
- Career: The situation is difficult, and a person may face tremendous challenges. Life is testing their resolve. If they resort to improper methods, they will only sink deeper into trouble. Conversely, by holding on to their principles in the face of adversity and persevering with calm determination, they will ultimately achieve success.
- Business: Facing fierce competition and the potential for failure. It is crucial not to give up but to struggle through the hardships. This can only be done by improving one’s character, reflecting on past actions, and learning from mistakes. Progress should be steady and cautious, avoiding impulsiveness. Additionally, it is important to be wary of becoming complacent in wealth, as this may lead to further difficulties.
- Fame: Trying to achieve fame too quickly will be counterproductive. A humble attitude and steady progress are necessary for success, with perseverance and a strong will being key to fulfilling one’s ambitions.
- Romance & Relationships: Handle the situation with optimism and patience. Character and integrity should be prioritized in relationships.
- Decision-Making: Intelligent and capable but currently unrecognized. If one does not lose hope in times of hardship, continues to work hard, and abandons any reliance on luck, they will eventually succeed. Though they may not fully achieve their ideal, they will make progress.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Kùn Hexagram
Line 1: Chū liù (初六): “Tún kùn yú zhū mù, rù yú yōu gǔ, sān suì bù dī.”
Translation: “Stuck with one’s buttocks on a dead tree, unable to sit or stand; retreating into a deep valley, not meeting anyone for three years.”
This line symbolizes being trapped in a situation where one feels immobilized and disconnected from the outside world. It suggests a period of introspection and isolation, where progress feels impossible. However, enduring this solitude can ultimately lead to personal growth and eventual emergence from the predicament.
Advice for this Line:
- Trapped among the trees, the person retreats to a secluded valley.
- Endure for three years, and eventually, crying will be heard.
- The future may be obstructed, so it’s wise to retreat and seek a broader perspective.
- While this mindset is not yet fully understood, it may be difficult to send messages, like a lone goose flying in the clouds, unable to deliver news.
- After prolonged struggle, there will be stagnation, and the future will be filled with difficulty.
- Hold firm and guard your position during this time of uncertainty, and gradually, peace will return.
The First Line of Kùn Changes to Hexagram 58 (Duì为泽)
This change leads to Hexagram 58: Duì wéi Zé (The Joyous Lake), which is a hexagram formed by the same trigrams (Zé over Zé). It represents harmony, the connection between friends, mutual support, and joy. Duì symbolizes joy, while Zé represents the water of a marsh. This change suggests that once you find alignment and cooperation, things will begin to flow and improve.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Kùn Hexagram
Line 2: Jiǔ èr (九二): “Kùn yú jiǔ shí, zhū fù fāng lái, lì yòng xiǎng shì; zhēng xiōng, wú jiù.”
Translation: “Stuck in a situation of food and drink, but unsettled because one’s aspirations are unfulfilled; soon, an official robe will be received, and sacrifices will be made to the gods. Do not hastily go to war, as it is not yet a time for danger.”
This line expresses a situation where, despite having material comforts (food and drink), the individual is troubled because their aspirations are not realized. This phase calls for patience and confidence that better times are ahead, but one must be careful not to act rashly.
Advice for this Line:
- A cup of wine brings sadness. There’s no need to use excessive caution when making sacrifices.
- Generally, even in difficult situations, there are hidden benefits; after the storm, success will follow.
- Temporary setbacks should be endured, but greater rewards lie ahead.
- The interaction of heavenly forces brings success if you remain patient and avoid rushing into battles.
The Second Line of Kùn Changes to Hexagram 45 (Zé Dì Cuì)
This line changes into Hexagram 45: Zé Dì Cuì (Gathering, Lake over Earth). This hexagram symbolizes gathering, uniting efforts, and creating harmony by following the will of the people. In the context of the Kùn hexagram, this change suggests that by preparing, cooperating, and following the right course, one can overcome difficulties and thrive.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Kùn Hexagram
Line 3: Liù sān (六三): “Kùn yú shí, jù yú jí lí; rù yú qí gōng, bù jiàn qí qī, xiōng.”
Translation: “Stuck among rocks, surrounded by thorns; returning home but not finding one’s wife. Danger upon danger follows.”
This line describes a situation of being trapped in a harsh environment where progress feels impossible. There is a feeling of disconnection from those closest to you, and the sense of danger keeps increasing. The person must proceed carefully and humbly in this difficult moment.
Advice for this Line:
- Stuck among the rocks, surrounded by thorns.
- Returning home, but the wife is absent, signifying an unfulfilled situation.
- In this predicament, one must remain humble and cautious.
- Trying to assert force or ego in this situation will only lead to greater challenges.
- Maintaining integrity and patience is essential, but things may not be easy.
- It is difficult to protect one’s home, and shame will bring danger to one’s personal life.
The Third Line of Kùn Changes to Hexagram 28 (Zé Fēng Dà Guò)
This change leads to Hexagram 28: Zé Fēng Dà Guò (The Great Exceeding, Lake over Wind). It symbolizes a situation where overextension leads to disaster. It suggests that excessive action or pushing things too far may bring unforeseen consequences. The emphasis is on balance, avoiding extremes, and being mindful of the limits.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Kùn Hexagram
Line 4: Jiǔ sì (九四): “Lái xú xú, kùn yú jīn chē, lìn, yǒu zhōng.”
Translation: “Coming slowly, trapped by the golden chariot; hesitation leads to difficulties, but there will be a good outcome in the end.”
This line describes a situation where progress is slow due to obstacles, but perseverance and careful decision-making will eventually lead to success. It suggests that the situation may not be easy, but persistence, cautiousness, and determination will bring favorable results.
Advice for this Line:
- The person is struggling to escape difficulty, but hesitates and lacks the full strategy to do so.
- In this situation, remain firm in your principles, and despite initial difficulties, you will eventually succeed.
- If one is not in the right position or does not take decisive action, they will be unable to overcome challenges.
- Taking prompt and resolute action will save you from disaster and misfortune.
The Fourth Line of Kùn Changes to Hexagram 29 (Kǎn wéi Shuǐ)
This change leads to Hexagram 29: Kǎn wéi Shuǐ (The Abyss, Water over Water). It represents extreme danger, with two water trigrams creating a situation where risk is compounded. Despite facing multiple layers of peril, the hexagram emphasizes that by staying true to one’s integrity, difficulties can be overcome and clarity will emerge. The constant challenge in life is that adversity often reveals our true nature.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Kùn Hexagram
Line 5: Jiǔ wǔ (九五): “Yì yuè, kùn yú chì fù; nǎi xú yǒu shuō, lì yòng jì sì.”
Translation: “Using severe punishments like cutting off noses and chopping feet to govern will lead to being trapped in the highest position; only through sincere sacrifices to the gods will one find a way out.”
This line suggests that harsh and extreme methods to solve problems or maintain authority may trap a person in a higher position, ultimately leading to negative consequences. It advocates for humility and sincere offerings to the divine to break free from such constraints.
Advice for this Line:
- Using excessive force and harsh methods will bring more harm than good.
- With the right ethical approach and the support of those with similar virtues, one can overcome these difficulties.
- Extreme measures, such as punishing excessively, will only lead to deeper entrapment.
- By sincerely making offerings and maintaining humility, one can receive blessings and eventually achieve prosperity.
The Fifth Line of Kùn Changes to Hexagram 40 (Léi Shuǐ Jiě)
This change leads to Hexagram 40: Léi Shuǐ Jiě (Deliverance, Thunder over Water). This hexagram represents the end of hardship and the beginning of relief. The dynamic nature of thunder and the calming influence of water suggest that after great trials, resolution and release will come, making it a time for new beginnings.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Kùn Hexagram
Line 6: Shàng liù (上六): “Kùn yú gé zī, yú xiè yā, yuē dòng huǐ yǒu huǐ, zhēng jí.”
Translation: “Trapped in tangled vines, in a dangerous place; if there is regret about action, act sooner, for later actions will be auspicious.”
This line describes a situation of being trapped by entanglements or complex challenges. However, taking action to change the situation before regret sets in will lead to positive results. The key is to act decisively, without dwelling too much on past mistakes, and to make adjustments for a better future.
Advice for this Line:
- The road ahead is difficult, and the work has not yet been completed.
- In times of hardship, one should consider change, as movement will lead to eventual success.
- The entanglements (represented by the vines) are not meant to bind you forever; recognize when it’s time to adapt and move forward.
- Do not cling to material rewards or become overly attached to your current state, as doing so could lead to regret and setbacks.
The Sixth Line of Kùn Changes to Hexagram 6 (Tiān Shuǐ Sòng)
This change leads to Hexagram 6: Tiān Shuǐ Sòng (Conflict, Heaven over Water). This hexagram represents the tension and conflict that arise from opposing forces. It cautions against rash decisions and emphasizes the importance of patience and careful deliberation when dealing with challenges. There will be disputes, but success will come through calm, measured responses rather than aggression or hasty actions.