The Well (Jǐng)

Judgment

井：改邑不改井，无丧无得，往来井井。汔至，亦未繘井，羸其瓶，凶。

Plain Meaning：The well: towns may move but the well does not; endless in use. Yet if the jug breaks just short of the top—misfortune.

Image (Great Commentary)

木上有水，井；君子以劳民劝相。

Line Texts

• 初六井泥不食，旧井无禽。

  A muddy well no one drinks; an old well no birds visit—the neglected is abandoned.

• 九二井谷射鲋，瓮敝漏。

  The well feeds only minnows; the jug leaks—talent unused, effort lost.

• 九三井渫不食，为我心恻，可用汲，王明并受其福。

  The well cleaned yet undrunk—a grief; it can be drawn, and under a wise king all share the blessing.

• 六四井甃，无咎。

  Lining the well with stone—self-repair; no blame.

• 九五井洌，寒泉食。

  The well clear, its cold spring drunk—virtue that nourishes.

• 上六井收勿幕，有孚元吉。

  The well drawn and left uncovered—benefit shared with sincerity; supreme fortune.

Symbolism

Wood drawing water up: the well that nourishes all without end.

Life Lesson

Keep refining yourself to nourish others selflessly, and finish what you start.

Modern Application

A phase to refine core capability, build lasting value and serve others.

Words of Caution

Breaking the jug at the last step wastes it all.