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

          Six at the beginning means:
          One does not drink the mud of the well.
          No animals come to an old well.

          Nine in the second place means:
          At the wellhole one shoots fishes.
          The jug is broken and leaks.

          Six at the top means:
          One draws from the well
          Without hindrance.
          It is dependable.
          Supreme good fortune.


     37.  Chia J^en / The Family [The Clan]

          ----------
          ----------     above     Sun    The Gentle, Wind
          ---- ----
          ----------
          ---- ----     below     Li     The Clinging, Flame
          ----------

     The Judgement

          The Family. The perseverance of the woman furthers.

     The Image

          Wind comes forth from fire:
          The image of the Family.
          Thus the superior man has substance in his words
          And duration in his way of life.