The I Ching Speaks!

     48.  Ching / The Well

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----
          ----------
          ----------     below     Sun    The Gentle, Wind
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          The Well. The town may be changed,
          But the well cannot be changed.
          It neither decreases nor increases.
          They come and go and draw from the well.
          If one gets down almost to the water
          And the rope does not go all the way,
          Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

     The Image

          Water over wood: the image of the Well.
          Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work,
          And exhorts them to help one another.

     The Lines

          Nine in the third place means:
          The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.
          This is my heart's sorrow,
          For one might draw from it.
          If the king were clear-minded,
          Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.


     29.  K'an / The Abysmal (Water)

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----
          ---- ----
          ----------     below     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          The Abysmal repeated.
          If you are sincere, you have success in your heart,
          And whatever you do succeeds.

     The Image

          Water flows on uninterruptedly and reaches its goal:
          The image of the Abysmal repeated.
          Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue
          And carries on the business of teaching.