Hexagram 2
The Receptive
坤 · Kūn · Alıcı
Upper trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing) · Lower trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing)
Judgment
Six yin lines describe the quiet power of the earth that carries and nourishes everything. Here receiving, welcoming and ripening matter more than pushing forward. Trying to lead may leave you lost, while following a good direction can bring abundance. Like the patient, faithful walk of a mare, a soft yet steady continuity is what this hexagram suggests.
Image
Earth upon earth: a broad, deep and accepting ground. From this image the noble-minded learn to carry and nourish all things with a generous heart.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Hoarfrost underfoot: ice is on its way. Noticing small signs early lets you see a growing trend in time.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Straight, square and great. Leaning on what is natural, harmony can be found without strain.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Hidden excellence. Working for others without putting your own credit first can help carry the task to its end.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)A tied-up sack: no praise, no blame. Keeping your words and plans to yourself for now can be protective.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)A yellow lower garment: inner worth standing in a modest place. Unshowy refinement counts here as great good.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Dragons fight in the meadow, their blood dark and yellow. When the receptive force pushes itself forward, needless conflict can arise.
Question for reflection
What might you nourish by receiving it instead of forcing it?