02 · The Receptive (KŪN)
Pure yin receives, nourishes, and brings things to completion. Its six stages begin with a subtle sign, then move through openness, contained ability, careful restraint, centered maturity, and finally the danger of receptivity turning into opposition.
The judgment
Kun: originating and thriving. The steadfastness of a mare is beneficial. When the noble person has somewhere to go, taking the lead brings confusion; following finds guidance and benefit. In the southwest, one gains companions; in the northeast, one loses companions. Peaceful steadfastness is auspicious.
Kun is not weakness. Like earth and the mare, it works through steadiness, endurance, and sensitivity to direction. When a situation calls for support, cultivation, and completion, do not force yourself to lead. Find sound guidance and trustworthy companions, then remain calmly aligned with what is right.
Original Chinese text
坤：元亨，利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往，先迷後得主，利西南得朋，東北喪朋。安貞吉。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Treading on frost, firm ice is coming.
Original Chinese
履霜，堅冰至。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Straight, square, and great. Without contrivance, nothing is unfavorable.
Original Chinese
直方大，不習無不利。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Hold brilliance within and remain steadfast. In following the sovereign's work, claim no completion, yet bring it to an end.
Original Chinese
含章可貞。或從王事，無成有終。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Tie up the sack. No blame, no praise.
Original Chinese
括囊，無咎無譽。
- 六五 · Line 5 — A yellow lower garment. Supreme good fortune.
Original Chinese
黃裳，元吉。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Dragons battle in the wild; their blood is dark and yellow.
Original Chinese
龍戰於野，其血玄黃。