47 · Oppression (KÙN)
Oppression names a period of depletion and obstruction, not a verdict on a person's worth. The lake has no water; words alone will not win trust. The six lines move through isolation, burdensome abundance, an impossible refuge, delayed help, harsh authority that must change, and a final chance to loosen what binds and move wisely.
The judgment
Oppression: passage. Steadfastness brings good fortune to a great person, without blame. Words are not believed.
When credibility is strained, more speech may help less than steady conduct. The promise of passage is conditional: integrity and sound judgment can survive a hard season.
Original Chinese text
困：亨，貞大人吉，无咎，有言不信。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — The buttocks are distressed on a tree stump; one enters a dark valley and is not seen for three years.
Original Chinese
臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三歲不覿。
- 九二 · Line 2 — Constrained by wine and food, a red ceremonial sash is coming. It is beneficial to make an offering. Going forth is ill-omened; no blame.
Original Chinese
困于酒食，朱紱方來，利用亨祀，征凶，无咎。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Blocked by stone, seated on thorns; entering one's home, one does not see one's wife. Ill fortune.
Original Chinese
困于石，據于蒺藜，入于其宮，不見其妻，凶。
- 九四 · Line 4 — Coming slowly, hindered by a metal carriage: embarrassment, yet there is an end.
Original Chinese
來徐徐，困于金車，吝，有終。
- 九五 · Line 5 — Nose-cutting and foot-cutting; constrained by red ceremonial sashes. Then there is gradual release; it is beneficial to perform an offering.
Original Chinese
劓刖，困于赤紱，乃徐有說，利用祭祀。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Bound by climbing vines and unstable footing; one says, moving brings regret. With regret acknowledged, going forth is auspicious.
Original Chinese
困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰動悔。有悔，征吉。