Hexagram 2 · ䷁
Originally auspicious, it furthers.
Perfection and harmony. The receptive earth supports all things equally, bringing benefit to those who follow its way.
Kun represents the principle of receptivity. Through submissive responsiveness, it achieves great accomplishment while maintaining humility.
The Tuan commentary explains that Kun represents the perfect balance of receptive virtue. Its nature is to receive and nurture, bringing all things to completion through quiet perseverance and endurance.
The earth's condition is receptive devotion. The noble person supports the earth with vast quantities of virtue.
The earth's condition is one of devoted receptivity. The noble person, contemplating this image, extends their virtues abundantly to support all beneath heaven.
Kun is pure yin, the complement of Qian. It represents the r……
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When treading on frost, solid ice arrives.
Stepping on frost warns that solid ice is coming. Be mindful of early signs and prepare.
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"Treading on frost, solid ice arrives." The yin energy begins to condense.
The frost on the ground tells that hard ice is near. Yin energy slowly accumulates toward its peak.
Straight, square, and great: without cultivation, nothing is unfavorable.
Be straightforward and virtuous without pretense. When one's character is naturally broad and generous, no cultivation is needed and nothing不利.
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Six-second's movement is "straight" because of "square." Without cultivation, nothing unfavorable.
Six-two's movement is inherently 'straight' and 'square.' Natural virtue without artificiality brings no unfavorable results.
Containing brilliance and maintaining constancy: it furthers.
Hold your brilliance within, staying true to your principles. In service to a ruler or great cause, you may not achieve personal fame, but you will accomplish your mission.
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"Containing brilliance and maintaining constancy." It is released in its season.
Containing brilliance means to wait for the proper time. Serving a ruler without claiming credit leads to a proper end.
A tied-up sack; no praise, no blame.
Guard your words and actions carefully, like a tightly tied sack. Neither praise nor criticism will follow, yet you remain safe.
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"A tied-up sack." Cautious avoidance of harm.
Tying the sack tightly demonstrates cautious virtue that avoids bringing harm to oneself.
Yellow lower garment; great fortune.
Wear the yellow garment as a symbol of humble service. This brings the greatest good fortune.
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"Yellow lower garment, great fortune." Literary refinement dwells within.
Yellow is the color of the earth's center, symbolizing inner worth expressing outward. Great fortune comes from humble virtue within.
The dragon fights in the wild; their blood is black and yellow.
When dragon and tiger clash in the wilderness, black and yellow blood flows. This signals the collapse of old order and violent transformation.
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"The dragon fights in the wild." Their way has reached its limit.
The dragon fighting in the wild shows yin energy at its extreme. This is the natural conclusion when the way has reached its limit.