Hexagram 2 of 64

Kūn — Earth Under Earth

坤为地 · Legge: Khwan · Earth above, Earth below

Earth's way is to carry what is placed on it: follow rather than lead, and do not look for credit.

serviceperseverancehumilitynourishment

The Judgment

Kūn. Great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

Khwan (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make 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 friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

The Image

II. The (capacity and sustaining) power of the earth is what is denoted by Khwan. The superior man, in accordance with this, with his large virtue supports (men and) things.

地势坤,君子以厚德载物。

The Six Lines

The first six · 初六

In the first line, divided, treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the first six, divided, (we see its subject) treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come (by and by).

The second six · 六二

The second line, divided, being straight, square, and great., without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous.

Legge’s 1882 translation

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 · 六三

The third line, divided, keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it. If he should have occasion to engage in the king's service, though he will not claim the success, he will bring affairs to a good issue.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The third six, divided, (shows its subject) keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it. If he should have occasion 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 · 六四

The fourth line, divided, a sack tied up. There will be no ground for blame or for praise.

Legge’s 1882 translation

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 · 六五

The fifth line, divided, the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The fifth six, divided, (shows) the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.

The topmost six · 上六

The sixth line, divided dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The sixth six, divided (shows) dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.

The use of the number six · 用六

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.

Legge’s 1882 translation

(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.

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