I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 47 with Changing Lines 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 47.4.5.6 -> 4
47. Oppression (困 Kùn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 47
Hexagram 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.
Hexagram 47 Judgment
"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.
Hexagram 47 Image
"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 4 Changing
"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 Changing
"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 Changing
"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.
Changing to:
4. Youthful Folly (蒙 Méng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 4
Hexagram 蒙 (Méng) represents youthful folly, the state of ignorance and inexperience. It symbolizes the early stages of development when one lacks knowledge or wisdom and requires guidance. Youthful Folly encourages learning, seeking instruction, and being open to correction in order to grow and mature.
Hexagram 4 Judgment
"发蒙,利用刑人,用说桎梏,以往吝。"
(Fā méng, lì yòng xíng rén, yòng shuō zhì gù, yǐ wǎng lìn.)
“Youthful folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool, but the young fool who seeks me. At the first oracle, I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers.”
Youthful folly represents a lack of knowledge and understanding, which can only be overcome through learning. The judgment advises that one should seek wisdom rather than passively wait for it. At the same time, if someone repeatedly asks the same question without making an effort to learn, their behavior is considered importunate, and they will not receive further instruction. Success comes through the sincere pursuit of knowledge and perseverance.
Hexagram 4 Image
"山下出泉,蒙。君子以果行育德。"
(Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé.)
“A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youthful Folly. The superior person fosters character by thoroughly carrying out his or her resolve.”
The image of a spring beneath the mountain suggests that wisdom and clarity are hidden beneath the surface, much like how a youth must grow and develop in character before wisdom can emerge. The superior person fosters their development by persistently acting on their resolve, committing to a path of learning and self-improvement.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team