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


     39.  Chien / Obstruction

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----
          ----------
          ---- ----     below     K^en    Keeping Still, Mountain
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          Obstruction. The southwest furthers.
          The northeast does not further.
          It furthers one to see the great man.
          Perseverance brings good fortune.

     The Image

          Water on the mountain:
          The image of Obstruction.
          Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself
          And molds his character.