The Abysmal (Kǎn)

Judgment

习坎：有孚，维心亨，行有尚。

Plain Meaning：Repeated abyss: with sincerity and an open heart, action wins honor even amid danger.

Image (Great Commentary)

水洊至，习坎；君子以常德行，习教事。

Line Texts

• 初六习坎，入于坎窞，凶。

  Falling into the pit within the abyss—misfortune.

• 九二坎有险，求小得。

  Danger in the abyss—strive only for small gains for now.

• 六三来之坎坎，险且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。

  Abyss before and behind—rest; do not act.

• 六四樽酒簋贰，用缶，纳约自牖，终无咎。

  A jug of wine, two bowls, earthenware, offered through the window—sincerity in hardship; no blame.

• 九五坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。

  The abyss not yet full, but leveling—no blame; danger passes.

• 上六系用徽纆，寘于丛棘，三岁不得，凶。

  Bound with cords among thorns, three years without release—misfortune.

Symbolism

Water upon water: danger repeated, crossed only by sincerity.

Life Lesson

In danger, keep the heart steady; move like water, step by step.

Modern Application

In cascading crises, manage risk and keep integrity; never bet it all.

Words of Caution

Reckless moves in danger sink you deeper.