The Receptive (Kūn)

Judgment

坤：元，亨，利牝马之贞。君子有攸往，先迷后得主，利。西南得朋，东北丧朋。安贞，吉。

Plain Meaning：Earth: yielding devotion. Following rather than leading brings gain; quiet steadfastness is auspicious.

Image (Great Commentary)

地势坤，君子以厚德载物。

Line Texts

• 初六履霜，坚冰至。

  Treading on frost—solid ice is coming. Heed early signs.

• 六二直，方，大，不习无不利。

  Straight, square, great—benefit without effort.

• 六三含章可贞。或从王事，无成有终。

  Hidden brilliance held with integrity; serve without claiming success, and end well.

• 六四括囊，无咎无誉。

  A tied-up sack: no blame, no praise—prudent reticence.

• 六五黄裳，元吉。

  Yellow lower garment—supreme good fortune through humility.

• 上六龙战于野，其血玄黄。

  Dragons battle in the field; their blood is black and yellow—extremes clash.

• 用六利永贞。

  It profits to remain perpetually steadfast.

Symbolism

Pure yin: receptivity, nurture and generous virtue.

Life Lesson

Support with devotion; carry others with virtue rather than contend.

Modern Application

Support roles and steady buildup in work; tolerance in love; flow with circumstances in decisions.

Words of Caution

Small signs unheeded grow into great troubles.