I Ching Hexagram 47 Kun

Hexagram Information

• Hexagram Sequence: Hexagram 47
• Hexagram Name: Oppression
• Hexagram Image: Dui ☱ above, Kan ☵ below (a lake without water)
• Binary Representation: 011010
• Hexagram Nature: A moderately favorable hexagram, symbolizing hardship, obstruction, and the testing of one’s will

• Primary Hexagram: Oppression (Hexagram 47)
• Nuclear Hexagram: The Family (Hexagram 37)
• Opposite Hexagram: Grace (Hexagram 22)
• Reverse Hexagram: The Well (Hexagram 48)

Oppression follows Hexagram Rising. The Sequence of the Hexagrams says: “Rising without end must lead to Oppression.” When ascent reaches its limit, obstruction inevitably appears; adversity is precisely the touchstone of character and aspiration.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Oppression. Success. Perseverance. Great people are fortunate. No blame. What is said is not believed.

Oppression signifies being in adverse circumstances. If one can remain upright without deviation and embody the virtue of a great person, then even in hardship there can still be passage through, and in the end no disaster. Yet in times of distress, words are often not trusted; one must prove oneself through action and steadfastness.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: There is no water in the lake: Oppression. The noble one stakes his life to fulfill his will.

The upper trigram Dui is the lake, and the lower trigram Kan is water. A lake without water symbolizes depletion and hardship. Observing this image, the noble one should rouse inner resolve in times of extremity; even to the point of self-sacrifice, one must fulfill the purpose held in the heart.

• Symbolism: hardship, repression, frustrated aspiration, the testing of character
• Structure: Kan peril below, Dui joy above; danger within, composure without
• Keywords: oppression, uprightness, endurance, waiting for the right time

Oppression reveals this: adversity is the testing ground of character. True freedom of movement does not depend on outward ease or difficulty, but on whether the heart remains upright and unyielding. Only by setting one’s will in hardship and strengthening oneself in adversity can one be “oppressed without losing the Way.”

The Six-Line Progression

1. Initial Six: One’s seat is oppressed by tree stumps; one enters a dark valley and for three years sees no one

   At the outset one falls into hardship, as if entering a dark valley with no way out. Philosophical meaning: in the lowest ebb, endure and wait; do not act rashly.

2. Nine in the Second Place: Oppressed amid wine and food; the vermilion sash is just arriving. It is beneficial to make offerings and sacrifices

   Though oppressed, there is still cause for blessing; one holds to the center and remains upright. Philosophical meaning: cultivate virtue in hardship, and quietly await help from the worthy and a turning point.

3. Six in the Third Place: Oppressed by stones, leaning on thorns and brambles; entering one’s house, one does not see one’s wife

   Both advance and retreat are difficult; troubles do not come singly. Philosophical meaning: what exceeds one’s strength should not be taken on by force.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: One comes slowly, slowly, oppressed in a metal carriage. Humiliation, but there is an end

   Progress is slow, yet one can ultimately escape hardship. Philosophical meaning: seek help with humility and act within your capacity; this can lead to a good ending.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place: Nose and feet cut off; oppressed by the vermilion sash; then slowly comes release

   One is in a high position yet still oppressed, because firmness has lost the center; by holding to the center, the knot is untied. Philosophical meaning: leaders suffer when cut off from the people’s reality and must use balance and uprightness to resolve danger.

6. Top Six: Oppressed by creeping vines, in a perilous and uneasy place. Regret comes with movement, and there is regret; setting forth brings good fortune

   When oppression reaches its limit, change is necessary; if one does not move, one perishes. Philosophical meaning: at the end of the road, one must dare to act in order to turn oppression into release.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and overall guidance:

Fortune is at a low ebb, and obstacles arise in everything. This is not a time for forced breakthroughs; accept the moment, hold fast to what is right, and wait for a turning point.

Career and finances:

Circumstances are difficult, and talent may go unrecognized. If one compromises integrity, the situation only worsens; if one can hold to the right path, the day of emerging from hardship will eventually come.

Financial sources are drying up and risks are extremely high. It is better to stop than to press forward, and to avoid being driven by greed into even deeper trouble.

Love and relationships:

Emotions are under pressure. Stay calm, be tolerant, and value character above all; do not act on impulse.

Physical and mental state:

Be mindful of kidney depletion and long-term exhaustion. Rest and restore body and mind, and take care to prevent chronic conditions from worsening.

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

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of Oppression lies in remaining upright amid hardship and not losing one’s will in adversity; if you can endure, hold firm, and wait for the right time, extreme oppression will turn into release.