2/ 坤 / ䷁ / The Receptive
the judgement
THE RECEPTIVE works sublime success,
Furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead,
He goes astray;
But if he follows, he finds guidance
It is favorable to find friends in the west and south,
To forgoe friends in the east and north.
Quiet perserverance brings good fortune.
the image
The earth's condition is receptive devotion.
Thus the superior man who has breadth of character
Carries the outer world
the lines
Six at the beginning means:
When there is hoarfrost underfoot,
Solid ice is not far off
Six in the second place means:
Straight, square, great.
Without purpose,
Yet nothing remains unfurthered
Six in the third place means:
Hidden lines.
One is able to remain persevering.
If by chance you are in the service of a king,
Seek not works, but bring to completion
Six in the fourth place means:
A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.
Six in the fifth place means:
A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.
Six at the top means:
Dragons fight in the meadow.
Their blood is black and yellow
When all the lines are sixes, it means:
Lasting perseverance furthers.
2/ 坤 / ䷁ / The Khwăn Hexagram
Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn
Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and
having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to mae any movement,
if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord.
The advantageousness will be seen in his getting frineds in the south-west, and losing friends
in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.
Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu
In the first SIX, divided,
(we see its subject) treading on hoarfrost.
The strong ice will come (by and by)
The second SIX, divided,
(shows the attribute of) being straight, square, and great.
(Its operation), without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous.
The third SIX, divided,
(shows its subject) keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it.
If he should have occassion to engage in the king's service, though he will not claim the success (for himself), he will bring affairs to a good issue.
The fourth SIX, divided,
(shows the symbol of) a sack tied up.
There will be no ground for blame or for praise.
The fifth SIX, divided,
(shows) the yellow lower garment.
There will be great good fortune.
The sixth SIX, divided,
(shows) dragons fighting in the wild.
Their blood is purple and yellow.
(The lines of this hexagram are all weak and divided, as appears from) the use of the number six.
If those (who are thus represented) be perpetually correct and firm, advantage will arise.
2/ 坤 / ䷁ / Responding/ Kun
decision
Responding.
Sublimely prosperous and smooth.
Favorable with a mare's steadfastness.
Superior person has somewhere to go.
Predetermining, loses:
Following, obtains a master.
Favorable in the southwest:
Gets friends.
In the northeast:
Lose friends
Be composed and content
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
commentary on the symbol
Earth's nature is submissive.
In correspondence with this,
The superior person enriches her virtue
To sustain all beings
yao text (the lines)
Initial Six
Treading on hoarfrost
Solid ice will come.
Second Six
Straight, square, and great.
That's how it is!
Nothing is unfavorable
Third Six
Containing excellence,
Appropriate to be steadfast and upright.
Probably serving a king;
Claim no credit,
Carrying things through to the end
Fourth Six
Tie up a bag.
No fault, no praise.
Fifth Six
A yellow lower garment.
Supreme good fortune.
Top Six
Dragons playing in the wilderness;
Their blood is blue-yellow.
All Sixes
Favorable to be perseveringly steadfast and upright.