29 · The Abysmal (KǍN)
Kan is danger repeated, not a single dramatic obstacle. Water keeps its course through ravines. The hexagram asks for an honest center and a clear sense of when to move, when to take a small gain, and when to stop.
The judgment
Repeated Kan: there is sincerity; the heart can pass through. Going forward has value.
The danger does not vanish. Trustworthiness and a clear inner purpose make movement through it possible.
Original Chinese text
習坎：有孚，維心亨。行有尚。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Repeated pits: entering a deeper hollow within the pit is ominous.
Original Chinese
習坎，入于坎窞，凶。
- 九二 · Line 2 — There is danger in the pit; seek a small gain.
Original Chinese
坎有險，求小得。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Coming and going, pit after pit; danger presses close. Entering the deep hollow: do not act.
Original Chinese
來之坎坎，險且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。
- 六四 · Line 4 — A vessel of wine and two food vessels, using plain earthenware; present the modest offering through a window. In the end, no blame.
Original Chinese
樽酒簋貳，用缶，納約自牖，終无咎。
- 九五 · Line 5 — The pit is not overflowing; it has come level. No blame.
Original Chinese
坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Bound with heavy cords and placed among thorns; for three years no release is found. Ominous.
Original Chinese
係用徽纆，寘于叢棘，三歲不得，凶。