The Philosophical Meaning of the Second Hexagram in the I Ching: Kun (坤 Kūn)
The Kun Hexagram (坤卦 Kūn Guà) in the I Ching (易经 Yì Jīng) is formed by the repetition of the Kun trigram, symbolizing the Earth, which follows the will of Heaven. It represents receptivity, nurturing, and infinite expansion. The hexagram is symbolized by a mare, signifying that the Earth nurtures all things while aligning with the Heaven’s order. It follows the principle of first being lost, then finding the right path, demonstrating that by yielding to Qián (乾, Heaven) and following its direction, one can find the correct path, adhere to righteousness, and attain good fortune.
Interpretation from the I Ching
The I Ching states: “The vastness of the Earth (地势坤 Dì shì kūn); the noble person carries all things with great virtue (君子以厚德载物 jūnzǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù).” This passage highlights that Kun symbolizes the Earth, and noble individuals should emulate the Earth’s vastness, tolerance, and nurturing nature.
The Kun hexagram is considered extremely auspicious. The I Ching describes its fortune as follows:
“A plump sheep wanders into the hills, a hungry tiger encounters it and opens its mouth wide. The sheep satisfies the tiger’s hunger, and both find joy. Those who receive this hexagram will experience great fortune and prosperity.”
Symbolism of the Kun Hexagram
Because the Earth is the most prominent manifestation of Yin (阴 yīn) energy, the Kun hexagram primarily represents the Earth. It also symbolizes motherhood, a gentle and hardworking cow, soft fabric, and the collective masses, all of which embody receptivity, gentleness, flexibility, and obedience. These are the defining virtues of Kun.
Interpretations from Various Scholars
“Secrets of the I Ching” (《断易天机》) Interpretation
Kun consists of Kun above and Kun below, meaning it is in its natural position. It represents gentleness and the expansion of Earthly energy. As a pure Yin hexagram, it initially loses direction but later finds its way. This hexagram suggests moving toward the southwest to find reliable friends.
Northern Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (邵雍 Shào Yōng) Interpretation
“Gentle and still, the power of great endurance; remain calm and content, reckless actions lead to loss.”
For those who receive this hexagram, it is advised to follow the natural flow of life, act with patience, and avoid impulsive decisions. Success comes through cooperation rather than independent action.
Taiwanese Confucian Scholar Fu Peirong (傅佩荣 Fù Pèiróng) Interpretation
- Fate: Kindness and integrity bring widespread reputation.
- Wealth: Great financial gains.
- Home: Family life is peaceful; excellent for marriage.
- Health: Engage in gentle exercises for well-being.
Traditional Interpretation of the Kun Hexagram
This hexagram, formed by two identical Kun trigrams, is pure Yin. It represents the Earth, which follows the Heavens, bearing all things and expanding infinitely. The mare is the key symbol, demonstrating Earth’s role in nurturing all life while remaining in harmony with the timing of Heaven. This is why submission to Qián (乾, Heaven) leads to proper direction, righteousness, and good fortune.
- Great Image (大象 Dà Xiàng): “The Earth carries all things with great virtue. The benevolent are invincible.”
- Fortune (运势 Yùn Shì): Avoid haste; use stillness to counteract movement.
- Career (事业 Shì Yè): Success is achievable, but initial struggles may arise. Avoid reckless risks. Seek support from others, and work in collaboration rather than alone. Cultivate patience, tolerance, and integrity to achieve long-term success.
- Business (经商 Jīng Shāng): Opportunities are not ideal for risks. Proceed cautiously. Store goods and wait for the right moment to sell.
- Pursuit of Fame (求名 Qiú Míng): A steady and hardworking approach will lead to success. Avoid distractions.
- Love & Marriage (婚恋 Hūn Liàn): Strong Yin energy (阴盛 yīn shèng). A harmonious and lifelong relationship is built on gentleness and patience.
- Decision-Making (决策 Juécè): The person with this hexagram is kind, sincere, and helpful, often receiving assistance from others. However, beware of deceitful individuals. Flexibility and adaptability will lead to success.
The Kun Hexagram teaches the virtues of patience, humility, and receptivity. Like the Earth, true strength lies in quiet endurance, collaboration, and steady progress. Those who receive this hexagram should avoid acting impulsively and instead embrace the wisdom of waiting, nurturing, and following the natural order. By doing so, they will ultimately achieve prosperity and fulfillment.
The Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of Kun Hexagram
The meaning of this line is: When one steps on frost, one should realize that ice is about to form.
The “Xiang” (Image) explains this line: “Stepping on frost, solid ice is coming,” indicating that Yin energy begins to solidify. If this trend continues, it will inevitably lead to a season of ice and snow.
For those who draw this hexagram, if you plan to do something, you must be cautious. Pay attention to the details around you, as certain signs can predict future developments. Understanding the principle of seeing the significant in the small is crucial. This hexagram carries both positive and negative, as well as prosperous and declining implications. Whether it is good or bad, prosperous or declining, can be predicted from current minor events.
The “Wenyan” (Commentary on the Decision) states: “A family that accumulates good deeds will have blessings to spare; a family that accumulates evil deeds will have misfortunes to spare. When a臣 (minister) kills his君 (ruler), or a son kills his father, it is not due to a single day’s cause, but rather a gradual process that has not been addressed early enough. The I Ching says, ‘Stepping on frost, solid ice is coming,’ which means that things develop in a sequential manner.”
Chu Liu (Initial Six): Stepping on frost, solid ice is coming. Remember:
- Yin energy is strong as we step on frost, waiting for the right time to see the sunlight.
- With the support from the clouds, the traveler by the water is in the north.
- Things often lead to this due to gradual development, forming a warning to step on frost.
- Good deeds bring blessings, while evil deeds bring misfortunes.
Transformation of the First Line of Kun Hexagram
When the first line of Kun moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 24: Di Lei Fu (Earth Thunder Return). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Zhen below, Kun above). Zhen represents Thunder and movement; Kun represents Earth and compliance. Movement within compliance, acting naturally. Movement in compliance, with inner Yang and outer Yin, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which is favorable for progress.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of Kun Hexagram
From the hexagram’s imagery, Liu Er (Second Six) is a Yin line in a soft (Yin) position, central and upright, and is very representative in the Kun hexagram. This line is both central and upright, which can be extended to mean that one should be upright, square, generous, and harmonious in character.
For those who draw this hexagram, although there is no need for special cultivation, everything will be favorable. However, this fortune does not come out of nowhere; it requires adherence to the “Earthly Way”: straight, square, and great. The “Xiang” (Image) states: “The movement of Liu Er is straight and square. ‘Not practicing, no disadvantage’ is the brilliance of the Earthly Way.” This means that all actions of Liu Er are both upright and principled. Even without daily learning, one will not do anything detrimental to the growth of all things. This is precisely the way of following the Earth’s path and allowing it to flourish. Learning the Earth’s gentle virtue, having a broad mind, being upright, and being generous and inclusive. The efforts made in daily life will achieve the desired goals, gradually expanding one’s influence, and everything will go smoothly.
For those who draw this hexagram, it is advisable to seek a capable and beautiful woman as a partner. The ( Undertaking ) you wish to carry out will succeed without much effort. Even when encountering important or significant events, there is no need to cram at the last minute. Even if you encounter things you have never done before or arrive in unfamiliar places, there will be no obstacles, and difficulties will be easily resolved.
Transformation of the Second Line of Kun Hexagram
When the second line of Kun moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 7: Di Shui Shi (Earth Water Army). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). “Shi” refers to an army. Kan represents Water and danger; Kun represents Earth and compliance, symbolizing the integration of military and agriculture. War is dangerous, and using the military is a last resort for a sage, but it can resolve conflicts smoothly and without obstruction because it is in line with the situation and has a just cause, thus turning danger into good fortune.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of Kun Hexagram
From the hexagram’s imagery, Liu San (Third Six) is a Yin line in a strong (Yang) position, which is out of place. The third line is the highest position in the lower trigram, often fraught with danger. In a position of power or danger, one should not show off but instead comply with others. This is a transformation, which is not easy to achieve but must be strived for; otherwise, there will be danger. The phrase “contain the chapter” in the line text means to hide one’s talents and have a sense of忧患 (crisis). One should be reserved and restrained. Thus, the inspiration from Liu San is to keep one’s talents hidden.
The “Wenyan” (Commentary on the Decision) states: “Although Yin has beauty, ‘contain’ it; in serving the king’s affairs, dare not claim success. This is the way of the Earth, the way of the wife, and the way of the臣 (minister). The Earth’s way is ‘without success,’ yet it has an ‘end’ (i.e., a final achievement).”
For an individual, even if you have literary talent, you should maintain it and wait for the right time. When working with a leader, do not talk about your own achievements but attribute the glory to the ruler, and thus you will have a good ending.
Liu San is a Yin line in a Yang position, out of place and not central, making the situation not very favorable. Therefore, one can only hide one’s talents and adhere to the righteous path. If you can serve the king, do not overly display your talents, and attribute success to the king to achieve a good outcome. This hexagram is equivalent to the Pi hexagram, representing a group of Yin parties and the loss of power. Therefore, in handling affairs, one should adopt an approach of appearing confused but being clear inside, which will lead to a good end without humiliation.
Transformation of the Third Line of Kun Hexagram
When the third line of Kun moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 15: Di Shan Qian (Earth Mountain Humble). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Gen below, Kun above). Gen represents Mountain, and Kun represents Earth. A mountain on the ground, with the ground being low and the mountain high, is an example of being high inside and low outside, symbolizing not being arrogant despite high achievements, not praising oneself despite a good reputation, and not being proud despite a high position. This is humility.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of Kun Hexagram
Line Explanation:Liu Si (Fourth Six): Kua nang, wu jiu, wu yu.
The meaning of this line is: “Tie up the bag, there is no disaster and no praise.”
“Kua” originally means to tie, bind, or bundle, and it also implies containing, embracing, or collecting. This line suggests that one should keep a low profile and not seek recognition.
The insight from Liu Si is: Do not seek achievements but aim to avoid mistakes. From the hexagram’s imagery, Liu Si is a Yin line in a Yin position, which is favorable. We know that “four often brings fear,” as this line begins to enter the upper trigram, yet the situation is uncertain. It is best to be cautious. “Kua nang” means to tie up the bag, indicating that regardless of one’s talents, one should keep them concealed and be prudent in speech and action. The term “kua” also represents the tail of an arrow, suggesting that one should keep the arrow tightly secured in the quiver, only revealing the tail and not drawing the bow at critical moments. Although this may not bring praise, it ensures safety from disaster.
Through the analysis of Liu San, Liu Si, and the third and fourth lines of Qian hexagram, we can observe a pattern: when in the third or fourth lines, achieving “no disaster” should be considered satisfactory.
The “Xiang” (Image) states: “Kua nang, wu jiu,” indicating that caution does not bring harm. This emphasizes that being careful and prudent in actions will not lead to negative outcomes. An example corresponding to this line is that after King Zhou’s indiscriminate killings, no one dared to offer advice, and everyone kept quiet to avoid trouble, ultimately escaping disaster.
For those who draw this line, if you are considering an investment, it is best to hold off for now. While this may not yield profits, it also avoids losses. Do not lend money to others; keep your wallet tight. Additionally, keep your mouth shut—do not gossip or offer unsolicited advice. Do not rush to gain profits or praise; what is important during this period is: do not seek achievements, but aim to avoid mistakes.
At this time, Yang energy is weak, and Yin energy is strong, indicating a closing of the heavens and the earth. Therefore, wise individuals should withdraw, observing the dynamics of the situation with great wisdom, preserving themselves while waiting for the right opportunity to emerge. In terms of hexagram energy, this period is akin to the observation hexagram in August.
Transformation of the Fourth Line of Kun Hexagram
When the fourth line of Kun moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 16: Lei Di Yu (Thunder Earth Joy). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Kun below, Zhen above). Kun represents Earth and compliance; Zhen represents Thunder and movement. Thunder emerges timely, heralding the earth’s revival. Movement in compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram interacts with the Qian hexagram, creating a complementary relationship.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of Kun Hexagram
The “Xiang” states: “Kua nang, wu jiu,” indicating that caution does not bring harm. This emphasizes that being careful and prudent in actions will not lead to negative outcomes. An example corresponding to this line is that after King Zhou’s indiscriminate killings, no one dared to offer advice, and everyone kept quiet to avoid trouble, ultimately escaping disaster.
For those who draw this line, if you are considering an investment, it is best to hold off for now. While this may not yield profits, it also avoids losses. Do not lend money to others; keep your wallet tight. Additionally, keep your mouth shut—do not gossip or offer unsolicited advice. Do not rush to gain profits or praise; what is important during this period is: do not seek achievements, but aim to avoid mistakes.
At this time, Yang energy is weak, and Yin energy is strong, indicating a closing of the heavens and the earth. Therefore, wise individuals should withdraw, observing the dynamics of the situation with great wisdom, preserving themselves while waiting for the right opportunity to emerge. In terms of hexagram energy, this period is akin to the observation hexagram in August.
Transformation of the Fifth Line of Kun Hexagram
When the fifth line of Kun moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 8: Shui Di Bi (Water Earth Union). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Kun below, Kan above). Water rests upon the earth, and the earth accepts rivers and seas, symbolizing mutual dependence and intimacy. This hexagram is the complete opposite of the Shi hexagram, creating a complementary relationship. It illustrates the principles of mutual support, generosity, and sincere unity.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of Kun Hexagram
From the hexagram’s imagery, Shang Liu (Top Six) is the highest line of the Kun hexagram, occupying the top position. As a Yin line in this position, it is favorable, but it may lead to arrogance, violating the principles of gentleness and compliance. This may result in actions that are aggressive and reckless, leading to failure in plans and potentially harming oneself and others.
The “Wenyan” explains: “Yin is suspicious of Yang, and war is inevitable. This is because they resent their lack of Yang.” Thus, Shang Liu, being in a high position and enjoying power, may become arrogant, self-proclaiming as Yang, as if representing the dragon of Yang. However, being a Yin line, it cannot escape its Yin nature, which is determined by its lineage and cannot be changed.
Transformation of the Sixth Line of Kun Hexagram
When the sixth line of Kun moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 23: Shan Di Bo (Mountain Earth Strip). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Kun below, Gen above). With five Yin lines below and one Yang line above, Yin is strong while Yang is isolated; the high mountain rests upon the earth. Both represent a stripping away, hence the name “Bo.” This hexagram signifies a predominance of Yin and a decline of Yang, symbolizing the rise of petty individuals and the struggles of noble ones, leading to the downfall of endeavors.