I Ching Hexagram 2 · Kun Hexagram

Hexagram Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 2
• Hexagram Name: Kun Hexagram
• Hexagram Image: ☷ ☷ (Kun above, Kun below)
• Binary Representation: 000000
• Hexagram Nature: Pure yin hexagram, supremely auspicious

• Primary Hexagram: Kun as Earth
• Nuclear Hexagram: Kun as Earth
• Inverse Hexagram: Qian as Heaven
• Reversed Hexagram: Kun as Earth

The Kun Hexagram stands in contrast to the Qian Hexagram, embodying the way of support, receptivity, and inclusiveness.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Kun. Supreme success. Favorable for the mare's constancy. The noble one has somewhere to go; at first confused, later finds the master. It is favorable to gain companions in the southwest and lose companions in the northeast. Peaceful constancy brings good fortune.

The Kun Hexagram symbolizes the earth and governs receptivity and support. At the beginning, one may feel uncertain, but by following the natural course, one will ultimately find the right direction. It is favorable to cooperate rather than act alone; by holding to what is right and remaining steady, there will be good fortune.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: The earth's condition is Kun; the noble one, through generous virtue, carries all things.

The earth stretches wide and embraces all things. The noble one should take the earth as a model and assume responsibility through broad and generous virtue.

• Symbolism: earth, mother, the multitude, gentleness
• Qualities: inclusiveness, support, acting in accord with circumstances
• Core spirit: generous virtue carrying all things

The Kun Hexagram embodies the "way of earth": following Heaven's way and bringing all things to completion. True strength lies not in attack, but in inclusion and steadfastness.

The Six-Line Progression

1. First Six: Treading on frost, hard ice is coming

   Calamity is just beginning to appear; one should be alert early and prevent small problems from growing.

2. Six in the Second Place: Straight, square, great; without practice, nothing is unfavorable

   Upright and proper, in accord with the way of earth, nothing will fail to be beneficial.

3. Six in the Third Place: One may conceal one's brilliance and remain constant, perhaps following the king's affairs

   Having talent without displaying it, holding to what is right and waiting for the proper time, one will in the end reap a good result.

4. Six in the Fourth Place: Tying shut the sack; no blame, no praise

   Be cautious in word and deed; seek not merit, but only freedom from fault.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: A yellow lower garment; supreme good fortune

   Abiding in the center and preserving virtue, beautiful within and yielding outwardly, this brings great good fortune.

6. Top Six: Dragons fight in the wild; their blood is black and yellow

   When yin reaches its extreme, conflict arises; when fullness peaks, decline is near, so beware of extremes.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

The Kun Hexagram is about preserving what has been established and working in harmony with others. This is not the time to press forward rashly; better to use stillness to master movement and follow the greater trend.

Career and Finances:

Cooperation is favorable; acting arbitrarily is not. With the support of a team and helpful people, great things can be accomplished.

Financial fortune is steady; it is better to accumulate gradually than to take speculative risks.

Love and Relationships:

Softness overcomes hardness; the emphasis is on tolerance and harmony, and marriage is often auspicious.

Physical and Emotional State:

Pay attention to the spleen and stomach, circulation and vitality, and problems related to cold and dampness; gentle warming and nourishment are advisable.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional first.

One-Sentence Reminder

Move with the current, bear with virtue, be gentle yet strong, and steadfastness in what is right brings good fortune.