Situational Guidance
The Kun hexagram is the practice of life. It tells us that poverty is not terrible; what is terrible is the loss of inner integrity and belief. When a gentleman is in trouble, he becomes more virtuous.
Hexagram 47
Oppression (Exhaustion)
Difficult, needy, waiting for help
The Kun hexagram is the practice of life. It tells us that poverty is not terrible; what is terrible is the loss of inner integrity and belief. When a gentleman is in trouble, he becomes more virtuous.
Trigram Structure
䷮, Dui above, Kan below
Palace：坎
Key Themes
Difficult, needy, waiting for help
Judgement
Sleepy: Heng, Zhen, good luck for adults, no blame. Believe it or not.
Natural Symbolism
Dried-up lake, river trapped in a valley.
Associated Objects
Empty wallet, dried-up well, prison, abandoned vehicle.
Life Application & Summary
The Kun hexagram is the practice of life. It tells us that poverty is not terrible; what is terrible is the loss of inner integrity and belief. When a gentleman is in trouble, he becomes more virtuous.
Line-by-line Interpretation
Line 1
The buttocks are trapped in the trees, and they enter the deep valley. They don't look at each other at the age of three.
Guidance
Buttocks trapped by wooden stakes; entering a deep valley; not seen for three years.
Modern Insight
This is the deepest hardship. You are trapped in a desperate situation from the start, isolated and helpless, unable to move. At this time, any struggle is futile. What you need to do is extreme patience and waiting.
Line 2
Trapped in food and drink, Zhu Fu came and used the sacrifices to conquer evil.
Guidance
Trapped in food and drink; the strong come to help; beneficial for sacrifice; going to war is dangerous.
Modern Insight
Although you are in hardship, you indulge in temporary anesthesia and pleasure. This warns you not to face difficulties with escape. Although a turning point is coming, you must first correct your attitude, not continue to indulge.
Line 3
Trapped in rocks, trapped in thorns. Entering his palace and not seeing his wife, it is bad luck.
Guidance
Trapped by rocks, relying on thistles; returning home and not seeing your wife; dangerous.
Modern Insight
What you rely on is exactly what harms you. You made the wrong choice, leading to internal and external difficulties, and everyone turning against you. This is the most painful hardship because it is of your own making.
Line 4
Come slowly, trapped in the golden car. Being stingy has an end.
Guidance
Coming slowly; trapped in a golden carriage; though there are difficulties, there will be an end.
Modern Insight
Although you have ability, you are burdened by external material or status, unable to quickly escape hardship. This line reminds you that sometimes wealth and status can also become a burden. But fortunately, as long as you persist, you can eventually escape hardship.
Line 5
哓刖, trapped in red cloth. Naixu You said, use sacrifices.
Guidance
Trapped by high officials; nose cut off and feet severed; but gradually there will be joy.
Modern Insight
You are suppressed by those in power above, in extremely difficult circumstances. But you are in the honored position with noble virtue. At this time, what you can do is silently endure and maintain the belief in your heart. Time will prove your innocence, and the situation will eventually improve.
Line 6
Trapped in the vines, trapped in the vines. It is said to be regretful, regretful, and auspicious.
Guidance
Trapped by vines; in a dangerous situation; knowing mistakes and being able to correct them; going to war is auspicious.
Modern Insight
You are troubled by countless trivial matters and entanglements. The wisdom of this line lies in "knowing mistakes and being able to correct them." When you realize that your struggle is futile and sincerely repent, changing your strategy, the original hardship will instead become a springboard for your progress.
