Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 坤 (Kūn) |
| English Name | The Receptive / Earth |
| Trigrams | Earth over Earth (坤上坤下) |
| Number | 2 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, he goes astray; but if he follows, he finds guidance.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | When there is hoarfrost underfoot, solid ice is not far off. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六二 | 2nd | Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六三 | 3rd | Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. In service of a king, seek not works, but bring to completion. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六四 | 4th | A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六五 | 5th | A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上六 | Top | Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
用六 (Use of Six): Lasting perseverance furthers. — Steadfast devotion yields enduring results.
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Pure receptive power; follow and support rather than lead
- Upper trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing) over lower trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing)
- Embodies the qualities of receptivity, devotion, nurturing and patience, support, yielding
Keywords
Divination & Prediction
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Pure receptive power; follow and support rather than lead Channel the energy of receptivity and devotion for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on nurturing to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels receptivity and devotion. The Earth trigram above suggests receptive and nurturing energy in your outer dealings, while the Earth trigram below points to receptive and nurturing foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on stomach and digestion and stomach and digestion. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody receptivity and devotion. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes nurturing and patience. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate receptivity in all your actions
- Practice devotion consistently
- Embrace nurturing as your guiding principle
- Develop patience through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of support
- Abandon yielding under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 1. Qián (乾) | The Creative — complement; together they create all |
| 12. Pǐ (否) | Standstill — when communication breaks down |
| 24. Fù (复) | Return — first yang returns within earth |