Hexagram 2 of 64

The Receptive Earth坤

The land lies open and receiving. The noble person carries all things with deep virtue.

Upper
Earth
Lower
Earth
Order
2 / 64
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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。

Judgment: Great success. Steadiness pays, the steadiness of a mare. When the noble person sets out, going first leads astray; following finds a master. Friends are found to the southwest and lost to the northeast. Calm steadiness brings good fortune.

地勢坤，君子以厚德載物。

Image: The land lies open and receiving. The noble person carries all things with deep virtue.

In plain words

The situation: This is a time to support and carry, not to lead.

What you can do: Follow a sound lead and do the work well.

For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.

The six lines

  1. 用六利永貞。Lasting steadiness pays.In shortStay steady and principled for the long run; that is what pays off.
  2. 上六龍戰于野，其血玄黃。Loongs fight in the open country. Their blood is dark and yellow.In shortPushing to win hurts both sides; the clash is fierce, so step back.
  3. 六五黃裳，元吉。A yellow lower robe. Great good fortune.In shortStay modest and true to your role; this brings great good fortune.
  4. 六四括囊，无咎无譽。A tied sack. No fault and no praise.In shortKeep quiet and keep things close; no mistakes, but no praise either.
  5. 六三含章，可貞。或從王事，无成有終。Keep your talents hidden and you can stay steady. If you serve the king, claim no credit and see the work through.In shortKeep your talents quiet, do the work steadily, and finish it without claiming credit.
  6. 六二直方大，不習无不利。Straight, square and great. Even without practice, nothing fails.In shortBe honest, steady and generous; acting naturally like this goes well.
  7. 初六履霜，堅冰至。Frost underfoot. Hard ice is on its way.In shortSmall warning signs are here; deal with them before they grow into real trouble.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.