Hexagram 47 困 - KÙN / OPPRESSION (EXHAUSTION)
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Trigrams#
- Above: Duì, the Joyous, the Lake
- Below: Kǎn, the Abysmal, Water
The lake is above, and the water is below. This indicates that the lake is empty and dried up, conveying the core idea of exhaustion. The concept of oppression is also revealed through the structure of the lines: at the top, a dark, yielding line holds down two bright, strong lines below; at the bottom, a bright line is trapped between two dark ones. The upper trigram belongs to the dark principle, while the lower belongs to the light principle. Thus, everywhere we look, superior individuals are oppressed and restricted by the inferior.
The Judgment#
Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.
Times of adversity are the exact opposite of success. Yet, they can lead to success if they encounter the right person. When a strong person faces adversity, they remain cheerful despite the danger, and this inner cheerfulness becomes the foundation for future success. This represents a stability that is stronger than fate itself. Anyone who allows their inner spirit to be broken by exhaustion will certainly fail. However, when adversity merely bends a person, it generates a counter-force within them that is bound to emerge into the light over time. No ordinary person is capable of this. Only the great man brings about good fortune and remains free of blame. Granted, his outward influence is temporarily denied to him because his words carry no weight. Therefore, in times of adversity, it is essential to be strong within and use few words.
The Image#
There is no water in the lake: the image of Exhaustion. Thus the superior man stakes his life on following his will.
When water drains away from a lake, the lake must dry up and become exhausted. This is its fate, and it mirrors the adverse circumstances that can occur in human life. In such times, there is nothing to do but accept one’s fate and remain true to oneself. This requires tapping into the deepest layer of one’s true being, for only that depth is superior to any external fate.
The Lines#
Six at the beginning means:#
One sits oppressed under a bare tree and strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing.
When adversity strikes, the most important thing is to be strong and overcome the hardship internally. If one is weak, the distress will overwhelm them instead. Instead of moving forward, the person remains paralyzed under a bare tree, sinking deeper into darkness and melancholy. This only makes the situation more hopeless. This attitude stems from an inner delusion that must be completely overcome.
Nine in the second place means:#
One is oppressed while at meat and drink. The man with the scarlet knee-bands is coming. It is radiating to offer sacrifices. To set forth brings misfortune. No blame.
This describes an internal state of oppression. Outwardly, everything seems fine; there is plenty to eat and drink. Yet, one feels exhausted by the mundane routines of life, seeing no way out. Help, however, comes from above. A prince—who wore scarlet knee-bands in ancient China—is searching for capable helpers. But obstacles still remain. Therefore, it is important to meet these hidden obstacles through sacrifice and prayer. Setting forth unprepared would lead to misfortune, even if the intent is morally sound. One must overcome an adverse situation through inner patience.
Six in the third place means:#
One permits oneself to be oppressed by stone and leans on thorns and thistles. One enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune.
This shows a person who is restless and indecisive in times of distress. First, they want to push forward, but they hit obstacles that only cause oppression if they are met blindly. Trying to run through a brick wall only makes the wall feel oppressive. Then, the person leans on things that have no stability in themselves, which proves dangerous for anyone relying on them. Finally, turning back indecisively, they retreat to their own home, only to face the further disappointment of finding their wife gone.
Confucius says of this: “If a person allows himself to be oppressed by what should not oppress him, his name will surely be disgraced. If he leans on things he cannot rely upon, his life will surely be in danger. For someone who is in disgrace and danger, the hour of death approaches; how can he then expect to see his wife?”
Nine in the fourth place means:#
He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but one brings things to an end.
A wealthy man sees the distress of those below him and truly wishes to help. However, instead of acting quickly and decisively where needed, he approaches the matter hesitantly and formally. As a result, he encounters obstacles. Powerful and wealthy acquaintances draw him into their social circles; he must conform and cannot easily break away. This places him in a state of great embarrassment. Yet, the distress is temporary. The natural, original strength of his character eventually corrects the mistake, and the goal is achieved.
Nine in the fifth place means:#
His nose and feet are cut off. One is oppressed by the man in the purple knee-bands. Joy comes softly. It is radiating to bring offerings and gifts.
This describes someone who deeply cares for the well-being of the people but is oppressed from both above and below (symbolized by the severed nose and feet). No help is found among those whose duty it is to assist in the rescue work (the ministers, who wore purple knee-bands). Nevertheless, things gradually take a turn for the better. Until then, one must turn to God in deep inner stillness, praying and offering sacrifices for the good of the whole.
Six at the top means:#
He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says, ‘Movement brings remorse.’ If one feels remorse over this and makes a start, good fortune ensues.
One is restricted by bonds that could actually be broken with ease. The oppression is nearing its end. Yet, the person remains hesitant, still influenced by the old state of mind, fearing that any action will bring regret. But as soon as they grasp the true situation, change their mental attitude, and form a firm resolve, they will successfully master the adversity.
Reference links#
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