I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
29 - K`an / The Abysmal (Water)
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
This hexagram consists of a doubling of the trigram K`an. It is one of the eight hexagrams in which doubling occurs. The trigram K`an means a plunging in. A yang line has plunged in between two yin lines and is closed in by them like water in a ravine. The trigram K`an is also the middle son. The Receptive has obtained the middle line of the Creative, and thus K`an develops. As an image it represents water, the water that comes from above and is in motion on earth in streams and rivers, giving rise to all life on earth.
In mans world K`an represents the heart, the soul locked up within the body, the principle of light inclosed in the dark, that is to say, reason. The name of the hexagram, because the trigram is doubled, has the additional meaning, "repetition of danger". Thus, the hexagram is intended to designate an objective situation to which one must become accustomed, not a subjective attitude. For danger due to a subjective attitude means either foolhardiness or guile. Also, a ravine is used to symbolize danger, as it is a situation in which a man is in the same pass as the water in a ravine, and, like the water, he can escape if he behaves correctly.
Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fills up all the places through which it flows, it does not shrink from any dangerous spot nor from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions. Thus, likewise, if one is sincere when confronted with difficulties, the heart can penetrate the meaning of the situation. Once we have gained inner mastery of a problem, it will come about naturally that the action we take will succeed. In danger all that counts really is carrying out all that has to be done with thoroughness and going forward, in order not to perish through tarrying in the danger.
Properly used, danger can have an important meaning as a protective measure. Thus, heaven has its perilous height protecting it against every attempt at invasion, and earth has its mountains and bodies of water, separating countries by their dangers. Thus also, rulers make use of danger to protect themselves against attacks from without and against turmoil within.
Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others, everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
This hexagram consists of a doubling of the trigram K`an. It is one of the eight hexagrams in which doubling occurs. The trigram K`an means a plunging in. A yang line has plunged in between two yin lines and is closed in by them like water in a ravine. The trigram K`an is also the middle son. The Receptive has obtained the middle line of the Creative, and thus K`an develops. As an image it represents water, the water that comes from above and is in motion on earth in streams and rivers, giving rise to all life on earth.
In mans world K`an represents the heart, the soul locked up within the body, the principle of light inclosed in the dark, that is to say, reason. The name of the hexagram, because the trigram is doubled, has the additional meaning, "repetition of danger". Thus, the hexagram is intended to designate an objective situation to which one must become accustomed, not a subjective attitude. For danger due to a subjective attitude means either foolhardiness or guile. Also, a ravine is used to symbolize danger, as it is a situation in which a man is in the same pass as the water in a ravine, and, like the water, he can escape if he behaves correctly.
The Judgement
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fills up all the places through which it flows, it does not shrink from any dangerous spot nor from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions. Thus, likewise, if one is sincere when confronted with difficulties, the heart can penetrate the meaning of the situation. Once we have gained inner mastery of a problem, it will come about naturally that the action we take will succeed. In danger all that counts really is carrying out all that has to be done with thoroughness and going forward, in order not to perish through tarrying in the danger.
Properly used, danger can have an important meaning as a protective measure. Thus, heaven has its perilous height protecting it against every attempt at invasion, and earth has its mountains and bodies of water, separating countries by their dangers. Thus also, rulers make use of danger to protect themselves against attacks from without and against turmoil within.
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.Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others, everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.
Changing
Six in the fourth place means:
Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.
The situation is extremely dangerous. It is of utmost gravity now–a matter of life and death. Bloodshed seems imminent. There is no going forward or backward; we are cut off as if in a pit. Now we must simply stand fast and let fate take its course. This composure, which keeps us from aggravating the trouble by anything we might do, is the only way of getting out of the dangerous pit.
Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.
The situation is extremely dangerous. It is of utmost gravity now–a matter of life and death. Bloodshed seems imminent. There is no going forward or backward; we are cut off as if in a pit. Now we must simply stand fast and let fate take its course. This composure, which keeps us from aggravating the trouble by anything we might do, is the only way of getting out of the dangerous pit.
Six at the top means:
One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune.
The waiting is over, and the danger can no longer be averted. One falls into the pit and must yield to the inevitable. Everything seems to have been in vain, but precisely in this extremity things take an unforeseen turn. Without a move on ones own part, there is outside intervention. At first one cannot be sure of its meaning: is it rescue or is it destruction? A person in this situation must keep his mind alert and not withdraw into himself with a sulky gesture of refusal, but must greet the new turn with respect. Thus, he ultimately escapes the danger, and all goes well. Even happy turns of fortune often come in a form that at first seems strange to us.
One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune.
The waiting is over, and the danger can no longer be averted. One falls into the pit and must yield to the inevitable. Everything seems to have been in vain, but precisely in this extremity things take an unforeseen turn. Without a move on ones own part, there is outside intervention. At first one cannot be sure of its meaning: is it rescue or is it destruction? A person in this situation must keep his mind alert and not withdraw into himself with a sulky gesture of refusal, but must greet the new turn with respect. Thus, he ultimately escapes the danger, and all goes well. Even happy turns of fortune often come in a form that at first seems strange to us.
Transformed
05 - Hsü / Waiting (Nourishment)
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
All beings have need of nourishment from above. But the gift of food comes in its own time, and for this one must wait. This hexagram shows the clouds in the heavens, giving rain to refresh all that grows and to provide mankind with food and drink. The rain will come in its own time. We cannot make it come, we have to wait for it. The idea of waiting is further suggested by the attributes of the two trigrams: strength within, danger in front. Strength in the face of danger does not plunge ahead but bides its time, whereas weakness in the face of danger grows agitated and has not the patience to wait.
Waiting is not merely empty hoping, it has the inner certainty of reaching the goal. Such certainty alone gives that light which leads to success. This leads to the perseverance that brings good fortune and bestows power to cross the great water.
One is faced with a danger that has to be overcome. Weakness and impatience can do nothing. Only a strong man can stand up to his fate, for his inner security enables him to endure to the end. This strength shows itself in uncompromising truthfulness with himself. It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any sort of self-deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events by which the path to success may be recognized. This recognition must be followed by resolute and persevering action, for only the man who goes to meet his fate resolutely is equipped to deal with it adequately. Only then he will be able to cross the great water, that is to say, he will be capable of making the necessary decisions and of surmounting the dangers.
Thus the superior man eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer.
When clouds rise in the sky, it is a sign that it will rain. There is nothing to do but to wait until after the rain falls. It is the same in life when destiny is at work. We should not worry and seek to shape the future by interfering in things before the time is ripe. We should quietly fortify the body with food and drink and the mind with gladness and good cheer. Fate comes when it will, and thus we are ready.
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
All beings have need of nourishment from above. But the gift of food comes in its own time, and for this one must wait. This hexagram shows the clouds in the heavens, giving rain to refresh all that grows and to provide mankind with food and drink. The rain will come in its own time. We cannot make it come, we have to wait for it. The idea of waiting is further suggested by the attributes of the two trigrams: strength within, danger in front. Strength in the face of danger does not plunge ahead but bides its time, whereas weakness in the face of danger grows agitated and has not the patience to wait.
The Judgement
WAITING. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.Waiting is not merely empty hoping, it has the inner certainty of reaching the goal. Such certainty alone gives that light which leads to success. This leads to the perseverance that brings good fortune and bestows power to cross the great water.
One is faced with a danger that has to be overcome. Weakness and impatience can do nothing. Only a strong man can stand up to his fate, for his inner security enables him to endure to the end. This strength shows itself in uncompromising truthfulness with himself. It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any sort of self-deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events by which the path to success may be recognized. This recognition must be followed by resolute and persevering action, for only the man who goes to meet his fate resolutely is equipped to deal with it adequately. Only then he will be able to cross the great water, that is to say, he will be capable of making the necessary decisions and of surmounting the dangers.
The Image
Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of WAITING.Thus the superior man eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer.
When clouds rise in the sky, it is a sign that it will rain. There is nothing to do but to wait until after the rain falls. It is the same in life when destiny is at work. We should not worry and seek to shape the future by interfering in things before the time is ripe. We should quietly fortify the body with food and drink and the mind with gladness and good cheer. Fate comes when it will, and thus we are ready.