Hexagram 29 坎 - KǍN / THE ABYSMAL, WATER

䷜

Trigrams

#

• Above: Kǎn, the Abysmal, Water
• Below: Kǎn, the Abysmal, Water

The hexagram consists of the repetition of the trigram Kǎn. It is one of the eight doubled hexagrams. The trigram Kǎn signifies a plunging inward. A Yang line has plunged between two Yin lines and is enclosed by them, like water in a ravine. It represents the middle son. The Receptive obtained the middle line of the Creative, giving rise to Kǎn. As an image, it is water-specifically water coming from above and moving across the earth in rivers and streams, sustaining all life on earth. Applied to human affairs, it represents the heart and soul enclosed within the body, the light contained within darkness: reason. Because the trigram is repeated, the name of the hexagram carries an additional designation: the Repetition of Danger. This indicates an objective situation to which one must adapt, rather than a subjective attitude. Danger as a subjective attitude implies either foolhardiness or guile. Therefore, danger is also depicted as a ravine-a state in which one finds oneself, like water trapped in a canyon, and from which one emerges just as water does, by acting correctly.

The Judgment

#

The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.

Repeating a danger familiarizes us with it. Water provides the ideal model for proper conduct under such conditions. It flows onward uninterruptedly, filling every space it passes through. It shrinks from no hazardous place or plunge, and nothing causes it to lose its essential nature. It remains true to itself under all circumstances. Similarly, sincerity in difficult situations allows one to mentally penetrate the crisis. Once you master a situation internally, external actions will naturally meet with success. Managing danger requires a thoroughness that resolves everything needing attention, alongside a steady forward movement to avoid perishing by lingering in peril.

When used actively, danger serves an important purpose as a protective measure. Thus, heaven has its perilous height protecting it from any intrusion. The earth has its mountains and waters, whose natural hazards separate lands. Likewise, rulers employ danger as a defense mechanism to guard against external aggression and internal unrest.

The Image

#

Water flows uninterruptedly and reaches its goal: the image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue and practices the business of teaching.

Water reaches its goal by flowing continuously, filling every depression before moving forward. The superior man acts in the same way. He ensures that goodness becomes an established character trait rather than a random, isolated occurrence. Consistency is also paramount when instructing others, as only repetition allows the material to truly become the learner’s own property.

The Individual Lines

#

Six at the beginning means:

#

Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss, one falls into a pit. Misfortune.

Becoming accustomed to danger easily allows it to penetrate one’s inner being. One grows familiar with and habituated to evil. Consequently, the correct path is lost, and misfortune follows as a natural result.

Nine in the second place means:

#

The abyss carries danger. One should strive to achieve only small things.

When surrounded by danger, one must not recklessly try to escape at all costs, but should initially be satisfied if the peril does not overcome them. One must calmly weigh the circumstances of the time and settle for small gains, since a major success is out of reach for now. A spring also flows sparsely at first, taking time to carve its path into the open.

Six in the third place means:

#

Forward or backward, abyss upon abyss. In such danger, pause for now; otherwise, you will fall into a pit in the abyss. Do not act this way.

Every step forward or backward brings danger. Escape is unthinkable. Therefore, one must not be enticed into actions that would only plunge them deeper into peril. Instead, despite how uncomfortable it is to remain in such a state, one must pause until a way out appears.

Six in the fourth place means:

#

A jug of wine, a bowl of rice¹ as an addition, earthenware, handed in simply through the window. This is by no means a blame.

In times of danger, elaborate formalities come to an end. Sincerity of intent is what matters most. Normally, an official requires specific introductory gifts and recommendations before appointment. Here, everything is simplified to the utmost: the gifts are meager, there is no sponsor, and one presents oneself. Yet, there is no need to feel ashamed of any of this, provided there is an honest intention to help one another through the crisis.

Another insight is suggested: the window is the source through which light enters a room. When attempting to enlighten someone during difficult times, one must begin with what is already clear and evident, and proceed simply from there.

Nine in the fifth place means:

#

The abyss is not filled to overflowing; it is filled only to the rim. No blame.

Danger arises from aiming too high. Water in a ravine does not pile up; it rises only to the lowest rim to find its way out. Similarly, in times of danger, one only needs to proceed along the line of least resistance to reach the goal. Great deeds cannot be accomplished during such times; escaping the peril is enough.

Six at the top means:

#

Bound with cords and ropes, enclosed between thorn-hedged prison walls; for three years one does not find the way. Misfortune!

A person who has lost the right path in extreme danger and is incorrigibly entangled in his sins has no prospect of escaping the peril. He resembles a criminal sitting bound behind thorn-hedged prison walls.

Reference links

#

• Hexagram look-up table
• Advanced hexagram correspondence table