Hexagram 2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above

☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive

Below

☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive

Symbolic Meaning

坤 (Kūn) represents receptive power—the capacity to receive, support, and bring things to completion. It corresponds to earth: steady, open, and sustaining. Rather than initiating movement, it responds and gives form to what has begun.

In human terms, it reflects patience, humility, and reliability. Strength here is not forceful, but enduring—expressed through consistency, support, and the ability to carry responsibility without resistance.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
坤，元亨，利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往，先迷後得主，利西南得朋，東北喪朋。安貞，吉。
(Kūn, yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn. Jūn zǐ yǒu yōu wǎng, xiān mí hòu dé zhǔ, lì xī nán dé péng, dōng běi sàng péng. Ān zhēn, jí.)

"Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to be steady like a mare. It is favorable to move with direction: at first there is confusion, then a guiding direction is found. It is favorable to gain companions in the southwest and to lose companions in the northeast. Resting in correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome."

This passage describes a path that unfolds through yielding rather than forcing. At first, direction may not be clear, but by remaining open and responsive, alignment gradually emerges. The references to gaining and losing companions point to moving with what supports you and letting go of what does not.

The core idea is steady receptivity. By remaining grounded and consistent, one finds the right path and proceeds with support rather than strain.

Image

Original Chinese:
地势坤，君子以厚德载物。
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)

"The earth's condition is receptive: the receptive. The superior person carries and supports all things through depth and capacity."

The earth receives and sustains everything without preference or resistance. This becomes a model for human conduct: to develop depth of character that can hold responsibility and support others.

The emphasis is on capacity rather than control. Strength is expressed through what one can carry and sustain over time.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
履霜，坚冰至。
(Lǚ shuāng, jiān bīng zhì.)

"Stepping on frost—solid ice is approaching."

This line points to early signs that precede a larger development. What appears minor now will grow if left unattended. Awareness at the beginning allows for preparation.

It advises attention to small changes. Recognizing patterns early prevents being overtaken later.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
直方大，不习无不利。
(Zhí fāng dà, bù xí wú bù lì.)

"Direct, square, and expansive. Without imposed patterning, nothing is unfavorable."

This describes qualities that are natural and unforced: straightforwardness, stability, and openness. When one embodies these traits, action does not require contrivance.

It suggests that alignment with one’s true nature removes the need for effortful striving. Things proceed smoothly because they are not forced.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
含章可贞。或从王事，无成有终。
(Hán zhāng kě zhēn. Huò cóng wáng shì, wú chéng yǒu zhōng.)

"Holding inner clarity, one can remain steady. In following the governing process, there may be no visible achievement, yet there is completion."

This line emphasizes quiet strength that does not seek recognition. Value lies in maintaining inner substance rather than displaying outward results.

Even if efforts are not credited, what is undertaken is brought to completion. It encourages commitment without attachment to acknowledgment.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
括囊，无咎无誉。
(Kuò náng, wú jiù wú yù.)

"Tying the sack. No error, no praise."

This image suggests closure and restraint. It is a time to contain rather than express, to keep things inward rather than outward.

By not exposing oneself unnecessarily, one avoids both criticism and recognition. It is a position of neutrality and safety.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
黄裳，元吉。
(Huáng cháng, yuán jí.)

"A yellow garment. Primary favorable outcome."

Yellow, associated with the center and the earth, suggests balance and sincerity. The garment represents an outer expression that reflects inner alignment.

This line indicates that when one’s outward conduct matches inner integrity, favorable outcomes follow naturally.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
龙战于野，其血玄黄。
(Lóng zhàn yú yě, qí xuè xuán huáng.)

"Dragons contend in the open field. Their blood is dark and yellow."

This depicts conflict between forces that should remain distinct. When opposing energies clash without balance, both are harmed.

It serves as a warning against excess and confrontation. Pushing beyond proper limits leads to loss on all sides.