47/ 困 / ䷮ / Oppression

the judgement

OPPRESSION. Success. Perseverance.

The great man brings about good fortune.

No blame.

When one has something to say,

It is not believed.

the image

There is no water in the lake:

The image of EXHAUSTION.

Thus the superior man stakes his life

On following his will.

the lines

Six at the beginning means:

One sits oppressed under a bare tree

And strays into a gloomy valley.

For three years one sees nothing.


Nine in the second place means:

One is oppressed while at meat and drink.

The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming.

It furthers one to offer sacrifice.

To set forth brings misfortune.

No blame.


Six in the third place means:

A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,

And leans on thorns and thistles.

He enters his house and does not see his wife.

Misfortune.


Nine in the fourth place means:

He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage.

Humiliation, but the end is reached.


Nine in the fifth place means:

His nose and feet are cut off.

Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands.

Joy comes softly.

It furthers one to make offerings and libations.


Six at the top means:

He is oppressed by creeping vines.

He moves uncertainly and says, “Movement brings remorse.”

If one feels remorse over this and makes a start,

Good fortune comes.



47/ 困 / ䷮ / The Khwān Hexagram

Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and

correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu

Thefirst SIX, divided,

shows its subject with bare buttocks straitened under the stump of a tree.

He enters a dark valley, and for three years has no prospect (of deliverance).


The second NINE, undivided,

shows its subject straitened amidst his wine and viands. There come to him anon the red knee-covers (of the ruler).

It will be well for him (to maintain his sincerity as) in sacrificing.

Active operations (on his part) will lead to evil, but he will be free from blame.


The third SIX, divided,

shows its subject straitened before a (frowning) rock.

He lays hold of thorns. He enters his palace, and does not see his wife. There will be evil.


The fourth NINE, undivided,

shows its subject proceeding very slowly (to help the subject of the first line), who is straitened by the carriage adorned

with metal in front of him. There will be occasion for regret, but the end will be good.


The fifth NINE, undivided,

shows its subject with his nose and feet cut off. He is straitened by (his ministers in their) scarlet aprons.

He is leisurely in his movements, however, and is satisfied. It will be well for him to be (as sincere) as in sacrificing (to spiritual beings).


The sixth SIX, divided,

shows its subject straitened, as if bound with creepers; or n a high and dangerous position, and saying (to himself),

'If I move, I shall repent it.' If he do repent of former errors, there will be good fortune in his going forward.



47/ 困 / ䷮ / Exhausting

decision

Exhausting.

Prosperous and smooth.

Being steadfast and upright.

Great person: good fortune.

No fault.

There are words

Not believed.

commentary on the symbol

Lake without water.

An image of Exhausting.

In correspondence with this,

The superior person spares no effort

In fulfilling his inspiration.

yao text (the lines)

Initial Nine

Buttocks, exhausted, on the stump of a tree.

Entering into a gloomy valley.

Three years, one does not appear.


Second Nine

Exhausted with wine and food.

A pair of scarlet kneecaps has just arrived.

Favorable to use them for ceremonial offerings.

Moving forward:misfortune.

No Fault.


Third Six

Exhausted with rocks.

Resting on thorns and thistles

Entering his house,

Seeing not his wife: misfortune.


Fourth Nine

Coming, slowly, slowly.

Exhausted in a golden carriage.

Humiliation.

There is an end.


Fifth Nine

Nose and feet are cut off.

Exhausted with scarlet kneecaps.

Gradually and slowly, there is joy.

Favorable to use them for ceremonial offerings.


Top Six

Exhausted with creeping vines,

And also danger and perplexity.

Saying, Moving:regret.

Probably repenting,

Then moving forward: good fortune.




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