Hexagram 2
The Receptive
坤
Upper
Earth · 坤
the receptive, yielding
Lower
Earth · 坤
the receptive, yielding
Contemporary judgment
The receptive principle is at its strongest. Great success comes through yielding, devotion, and quiet persistence. This is not a time to lead but to support: to carry, nourish, and hold what is given into your care. Strength here looks like softness.
Image
Earth above Earth. The earth receives everything and complains of nothing. The superior person carries the outer world with the breadth of their character.
Counsel
Do not assert. Follow, listen, and serve the unfolding rather than trying to direct it. Aligned with the right cause and the right companions, you will accomplish far more than by pushing alone. Steadiness is your practice now.
The six lines
Numbered from the bottom upward; displayed here from first to sixth.
Line 1
A six at the beginning means: When one treads on hoarfrost, the solid ice is near.
Line 2
A six in the second place means: Straight, right-angled, great. Without intention, yet nothing is left unfurthered.
Line 3
A six in the third place means: Hidden lines; one is able to remain persevering. If you should enter the service of a king, seek no works, but bring them to completion.
Line 4
A six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame; no praise.
Line 5
A six in the fifth place means: A yellow undergarment brings sublime good fortune.
Line 6
A six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.
Contemporary sections are original app interpretations. Line text comes from the CC0 translation in jesshewitt/i-ching.