Hexagram 29
The Abysmal Water
坎 · Kǎn · Derin Su
Upper trigram: Water (deep, perilous, flowing) · Lower trigram: Water (deep, perilous, flowing)
Judgment
Water comes again and again: a deep, repeated danger, yet the water itself keeps flowing on. This hexagram speaks of the value of keeping sincerity and steadiness in hard, uncertain and daunting times. Water fills a pit and continues its way; the way through difficulty is to keep flowing within it. Moving ahead with a sincere heart can overcome outer obstacles.
Image
Water flows on repeatedly: repeated danger. The noble-minded keep virtuous conduct constant and go over their teachings again and again.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Sinking deeper into a pit within the pit. Getting used to danger can dull attention; staying alert is important.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)The pit is dangerous, yet small gains are possible. Instead of seeking the whole way out at once, small steps may be enough.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Forward and back, between danger and pit: do not act. Pausing to listen rather than act prevents harm.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)A jug of wine, a bowl of rice, earthen vessels: a simple offering through the window. Simplicity and sincerity can create an unshowy closeness.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)The pit is not filled to overflowing, only to the rim. Being measured and not forcing more keeps errors away.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Bound with cords and a thicket of thorns: long unable to find an exit. It may be necessary to stop resisting and rethink the path.
Question for reflection
In a hard period, what does continuing to flow like water tell you?