47. Oppression (困 Kùn)

Trigrams

Above

☱ Dùi (Lake)

Below

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Symbolic Meaning

困 (Kùn) represents oppression, hardship, or restriction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one is trapped or hindered by external pressures or internal struggles. Success comes from endurance, inner strength, and seeking support from others.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"困，亨，貞大人吉，无咎，有言不信。"
(Kùn, hēng, zhēn dàrén jí, wú jiù, yǒu yán bù xìn.)

"Oppression. Success. Perseverance brings good fortune to the great person. No blame. Words are not believed."

This hexagram advises persevering through hardship and remaining true to one's principles. Success comes from maintaining integrity despite oppression. Although others may not believe in one's words, staying committed leads to good fortune.

Image

Original Chinese:
"澤無水，困。君子以致命遂志。"
(Zé wú shuǐ, kùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì mìng suì zhì.)

"The lake has no water: The image of Oppression. The superior person brings their fate to completion and fulfills their will."

The image of a dry lake represents a time of lack and hardship. The superior person, however, continues to pursue their purpose, even in the face of adversity. By accepting their fate and remaining determined, they fulfill their mission.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三歲不覿。"
(Tún kùn yú zhū mù, rù yú yōu gǔ, sān suì bù dí.)

"Oppressed by a wooden stockade. Entering into a dark valley. For three years, one does not see the light."

This line describes being trapped and oppressed, symbolized by the wooden stockade and the dark valley. It advises patience and endurance, as the situation may take time to resolve.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"困于酒食，朱紱方來，利用享祀。征凶，无咎。"
(Kùn yú jiǔ shí, zhū fú fāng lái, lì yòng xiǎng sì. Zhēng xiōng, wú jiù.)

"Oppressed by food and drink. Scarlet sashes come forward. It is favorable to make offerings and sacrifices. Going forward brings misfortune, but there is no blame."

This line warns against being overly distracted by material pleasures or indulgences (food and drink). It advises making sacrifices and remaining focused on spiritual or higher goals. Although advancing is difficult, there is no blame for enduring the hardship.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"困于石，据于蒺藜，入于其宮，不見其妻，凶。"
(Kùn yú shí, jù yú jí lí, rù yú qí gōng, bù jiàn qí qī, xiōng.)

"Oppressed by rocks, clinging to thorn bushes. Entering the palace, one does not see their wife. Misfortune."

This line describes severe hardship, where progress is blocked by physical and emotional obstacles (rocks and thorns). It advises that isolation and separation from loved ones may lead to misfortune, and patience is needed to overcome the situation.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"來徐徐，困于金車，吝，有終。"
(Lái xú xú, kùn yú jīn chē, lìn, yǒu zhōng.)

"Arriving slowly. Oppressed in a golden chariot. Regret, but the end is favorable."

This line describes slow progress and the burden of wealth or material possessions (symbolized by the golden chariot). Although there is regret, the situation eventually resolves favorably. It advises patience and steady progress.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"劓刖，困于赤紱，乃徐有說，利用祭祀。"
(Yì yuè, kùn yú chì fú, nǎi xú yǒu shuō, lì yòng jì sì.)

"Nose and feet are cut off. Oppressed by a red sash. Gradually, there is joy. It is favorable to make offerings and sacrifices."

This line speaks of extreme hardship and oppression, symbolized by the loss of physical abilities and the burden of authority (the red sash). However, through endurance and perseverance, relief and joy gradually come. It advises making spiritual offerings to overcome the hardship.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰動悔。有悔，征吉。"
(Kùn yú gé lěi, yú niè wù, yuē dòng huǐ. Yǒu huǐ, zhēng jí.)

"Oppressed by vines. Struggling on uneven ground. Moving leads to regret. Regret disappears. Going forward brings good fortune."

This line describes being trapped by entanglements (vines) and struggling to find balance on uneven ground. Although moving forward initially brings regret, persevering leads to good fortune. It advises not giving up, even when the path is difficult.