29/ 坎 / ䷜ / The Abysmal (Water)
the judgement
The Abysmal repeated.
If you are sincere, you have success in your heart,
And whatever you do succeeds.
the image
Water flows on uninterruptedly and reaches its goal:
The image of the Abysmal repeated.
Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue
And carries on the business of teaching.
the lines
Six at the beginning means:
Repetition of the Abysmal.
In the abyss one falls into a pit.
Misfortune.
Nine in the second place means:
The abyss is dangerous.
One should strive to attain small things only.
Six in the third place means:
Forward and backward, abyss on abyss.
In danger like this, pause at first and wait,
Otherwise you will fall into a pit in the abyss.
Do not act this way.
Six in the fourth place means:
A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it;
Earthen vessels
Simply handed in through the Window.
There is certainly no blame in this.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The abyss is not filled to overflowing,
It is filled only to the rim.
No blame.
Six at the top means:
Bound with cords and ropes,
Shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls:
For three years one does not find the way.
Misfortune.
29/ 坎 / ䷜ / The Khan Hexagram
Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn
Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is.
penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.
Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu
The first SIX, divided,
shows its subject in the double defile, and (yet) entering a cavern within
it. There will be evil.
The second NINE, undivided,
shows its subject in all the peril of the defile. He will, however, get
a little (of the deliverance) that he seeks.
The third SIX, divided,
shows its subject, whether he comes or goes ( =descends or ascends),
confronted by a defile. All is peril to him and unrest. (His endeavours)
will lead him into the cavern of the pit. There should be no action (in
such a case).
The fourth SIX, divided,
shows its subject (at a feast), with (simply) a bottle of spirits, and a
subsidiary basket of rice, while (the cups and bowls) are (only) of earthenware.
He introduces his important lessons (as his ruler's) intelligence admits. There
will in the end be no error.
The fifth NINE, undivided,
shows the water of the defile not yet full, (so that it might flow away); but
order will (soon) be brought about. There will be no error.
The topmost SIX, divided,
shows its subject bound with cords of three strands or two strands, and placed
in the thicket of thorns. But in three years he does not learn the course for
him to pursue. There will be evil.
29/ 坎 / ䷜ / Darkness/ Kan
decision
Doubled darkness.
Be sincere and truthful.
Rely on heart and mind.
Prosperous and smooth;
Deeds will be honored.
commentary on the symbol
Water flows on twice over,
Darkness is doubled.
In correspondence with this,
The superior person cultivates and practices virtue constantly
And responds through teaching.
yao text (the lines)
Initial Six
Doubled darkness.
Falling into a pit within a pit.
Misfortune.
Second Nine
Darkness; there is danger.
Strive for little things.
Obtain.
Third Six
Coming or going, darkness, darkness.
Danger, just wait.
Already fallen into a pit within a pit;
Do not act.
Fourth Six
A jug of wine, two baskets of food.
Plain earthen vessels.
Simple offerings through a window
End in no fault.
Fifth Nine
Water in the pit, not overflowing,
Fills only to the rim.
No fault.
Top Six
Bound with black cords,
Confined in a thicket of thorns.
Three years, no remission.
Misfortune.