29. The Abysmal (Water) (坎 Kǎn)

Trigrams

Above

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Below

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Symbolic Meaning

坎 (Kǎn) symbolizes danger, difficulty, and the need to navigate through perilous situations. This hexagram speaks of repeated challenges and the need for resilience and wisdom in order to move through difficulties successfully.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"習坎，有孚，維心亨，行有尚。"
(Xí kǎn, yǒu fú, wéi xīn hēng, xíng yǒu shàng.)

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

This hexagram speaks of repeated dangers, symbolized by water that constantly flows and faces obstacles. Success comes from being sincere and steady in the face of these challenges. Inner strength and determination bring merit and success.

Image

Original Chinese:
"水流至坎，習坎。君子以常德行，習教事。"
(Shuǐ liú zhì kǎn, xí kǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ cháng dé xíng, xí jiào shì.)

"Water flows into the abyss: The image of The Abysmal. The superior person cultivates virtue and continues their teaching."

The image of water flowing into the abyss represents constant challenges. The superior person uses these challenges to cultivate inner strength and virtue, continuing their teaching and work despite difficulties.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"習坎，入于坎窞，凶。"
(Xí kǎn, rù yú kǎn dàn, xiōng.)

"The Abysmal repeated. Entering the abyss, there is misfortune."

This line warns against entering a dangerous situation without preparation. Repeated difficulties bring misfortune if one is not cautious. It advises retreat or careful planning.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"坎有險，求小得。"
(Kǎn yǒu xiǎn, qiú xiǎo dé.)

"There is danger in the abyss. Seeking small gains brings success."

This line advises caution and suggests that small gains are possible even in dangerous situations. By proceeding carefully and not taking large risks, one can achieve success.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"來之坎坎，險且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。"
(Lái zhī kǎn kǎn, xiǎn qiě zhěn, rù yú kǎn dàn, wù yòng.)

"The abyss is dangerous and filled with obstacles. Entering the abyss, it is not useful."

This line describes a situation filled with obstacles and danger. It advises against moving forward into the abyss, as doing so will not lead to success. It is better to wait for safer conditions.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"樽酒簋貳，用缶，納約自牖，終无咎。"
(Zūn jiǔ guǐ èr, yòng fǒu, nà yuē zì yǒu, zhōng wú jiù.)

"A jar of wine, a bowl of food, and using earthenware. Acceptance from a window brings no blame."

This line speaks of modest offerings and simple sustenance. By accepting what is simple and using what is available, one avoids blame and finds success. Modesty and simplicity lead to favorable outcomes.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。"
(Kǎn bù yíng, zhī jì píng, wú jiù.)

"The abyss is not full. There is peace and no blame."

This line describes a situation where the danger is not overwhelming. The abyss has not reached its full depth, and there is peace. No blame comes from proceeding with caution and calmness.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"係用徽纆，寘于叢棘，三歲不得，凶。"
(Xì yòng huī mò, zhì yú cóng jí, sān suì bù dé, xiōng.)

"Tied with ropes to thorns and thickets, for three years one cannot escape. Misfortune."

This line describes a situation of being trapped by difficulties, symbolized by being tied to thorns. Misfortune follows if one cannot find a way out. It advises seeking a new approach to escape long-term challenges.