Oppression (Kùn)

Judgment

困：亨，贞，大人吉，无咎，有言不信。

Plain Meaning：Oppression: success through steadfastness—fortune for the great, no blame; words are not believed, so act with integrity.

Image (Great Commentary)

泽无水，困；君子以致命遂志。

Line Texts

• 初六臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三岁不觌。

  Oppressed on a bare stump, sunk in a dark valley, unseen three years.

• 九二困于酒食，朱绂方来，利用亨祀，征凶，无咎。

  Oppressed amid food and drink, honors approaching—offer sacrifice; advancing is ominous, but no blame.

• 六三困于石，据于蒺藜，入于其宫，不见其妻，凶。

  Oppressed on stone, resting on thorns; entering the house, the wife is gone—misfortune.

• 九四来徐徐，困于金车，吝，有终。

  Coming slowly, hampered by a golden carriage—regret, yet a good end.

• 九五劓刖，困于赤绂，乃徐有说，利用祭祀。

  Nose and feet cut off, oppressed by high office—relief comes slowly; offer sacrifice.

• 上六困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰动悔。有悔，征吉。

  Entangled in vines, unsteady—every move brings regret; repent and advance, and fortune follows.

Symbolism

A lake without water: exhaustion, constraint and holding to principle.

Life Lesson

In hardship, keep your integrity and let deeds speak; steadfastness outlasts oppression.

Modern Application

When depleted or constrained, do more and argue less; hold your line and await the turn.

Words of Caution

In hardship, words convince no one—only action does.