The I Ching Speaks!

     47.  K'un / Oppression (Exhaustion)

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     Tui    The Joyous, Lake
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ----------     below     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          Oppression. Success. Perseverance.
          The great man brings about good fortune.
          No blame.
          When one has something to say,
          It is not believed.

     The Image

          There is no water in the lake:
          The image of Exhaustion.
          Thus the superior man stakes his life
          On following his will.

     The Lines

          Six at the beginning means:
          One sits oppressed under a bare tree
          And strays into a gloomy valley.
          For three years one sees nothing.

          Six in the third place means:
          A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,
          And leans on thorns and thistles.
          He enters his house and does not see his wife.
          Misfortune.

          Nine in the fourth place means:
          He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage.
          Humiliation, but the end is reached.

          Six at the top means:
          He is oppressed by creeping vines.
          He moves uncertainly and says, "Movement brings remorse."
          If one feels remorse over this and makes a start,
          Good fortune comes.


     9.   Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small

          ----------
          ----------     above     Sun    The Gentle, Wind
          ---- ----
          ----------
          ----------     below     Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
          ----------

     The Judgement

          The Taming Power of the Small
          Has success.
          Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.

     The Image

          The wind drives across heaven:
          The image of the Taming Power of the Small.
          Thus the superior man
          Refines the outward aspect of his nature.