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

     ()   Nine in the second place means:
          One is oppressed while at meat and drink.
          The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming.
          It furthers one to offer sacrifice.
          To set forth brings misfortune.
          No blame.

          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 fifth place means:
          His nose and feet are cut off.
          Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands.
          Joy comes softly.
          It furthers one to make offerings and libations.


     62.  Hsiao Kuo / Preponderance of the Small

          ---- ----
          ---- ----     above     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------
          ----------
          ---- ----     below     K^en    Keeping Still, Mountain
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          Preponderance of the Small. Success.
          Perseverance furthers.
          Small things may be done; great things should not be done.
          The flying bird brings the message:
          It is not well to strive upward,
          It is well to remain below.
          Great good fortune.

     The Image

          Thunder on the mountain:
          The image of Preponderance of the Small.
          Thus in his conduct the superior man gives preponderance to reverence.
          In bereavement he gives preponderance to grief.
          In his expenditures he gives preponderance to thrift.